Hello, I wanted to introduce myself since I am reading all of the posts on here. I am still in the early beginning stages of this whole process. I already attended a seminar and my first appt with the surgeon is tomorrow, Friday 18 th. I am so ready to get this process started. My step mother had the sleeve done almost a year ago and the results are amazing.

A little about myself, I am 28. I am a wife and a mother to 3 kids, ages 6, 4, 1. I have been overweight my whole life. Today I am 265, which is 10 lbs higher than my heaviest pregnancy. My bmi is over 43 which as you know is horrific. I am to get my weight under control. I want to be active for my children. I want to feel good about myself and be proud of who I am.

I hope that this entire process doesn't take forever but I am glad I have gotten started. I know I still have to go over the insurance requirements and see a nutritionist and psychologist. Other than that I am not sure but I am sure I will learn more from the surgeon tomorrow. Wish me luck! And thank you for all the useful posts! I love reading everyone's journey !

Welcome! I am at the beginning of the process as well, my seminar is not until 5/31 though so I am anxious to get going too! Good luck !!

Welcome to you both! You are making a great decision, it changes your life. Best of luck for a speedy approval and on to the losers bench!! Yaaaaay!!!!!!

Welcome! Sending you best wishes as you start this exciting journey.

And, by the way... a BMI of 43 is NOT horrific. I know it's hard to not be down on yourself when you are feeling that you are at point of desperation. We've all been there for sure. But try to not attach negative labels like "horrific" to yourself or your body. You are a wife, a mother, and I'd be willing to bet that your kids think you are the most beautiful woman in the world.

You are going to do great - and it's awesome that you have another sleever in your family for inspiration and support!! Congrats on taking the first steps to a healthier you!

Welcome to the boards! Everyone is wonderful and you will get all kinds of advice here.

Welcome aboard! Glad to have another newbe!!!!

Best of luck to you both. I am a father of 3 year old twins and am the stay at home parent and caregiver. My life has been transformed in my ability to not only care for the twins but enjoy every day with great energy and health. You stay with the process and you too can be transformed. By the way , I am 54 years old and have the health and energy now I had 25 years ago...

I'm so jealous ... 28 ... nice.

I am 26 but I wish I would have had the courage to make this decision sooner, I am only at the Very beginning but I am already do excited at the prospect of being able to actually live my life !

Ah! I am new to this too(kinda)...

My momma has had the DS. Watching her go through that process was amazing and inspirational!

I decided to go with something a little less invasive and avoid that battle of lifelong malabsorption. I just scheduled my sleeve date today! September 25! I know it's a few months from now, but that just gives me lots of time to prepare and I don't think I would have a job to come home to if I picked a time sooner.

Finding this website was great! So many inspirational people and I have learned a lot, and have plenty more to learn! Although it makes me feel kind of nosey cause I can just sit here and read what everyone has to say, haha.

I look forward to finding and giving support that's much needed!

Bless you! Love, Leah

Welcome, everyone! This board will offer you a wealth of information and support. Good luck on your journey.

Hi all,

I am also a newbie. I scheduled my seminar for Jun 12th. I have already been to one at another hospital. Don't know if I should go to another or just schedule the appointment with the surgeon. I have already found out what my insurance will and won't cover so that is done. I have to do the the three month deal first before surgery.

Hoping to get this show on the road to my healthy and happy rest of my life.

Welcome everyone!!!! Lots of newbies here!!! Yeah!!!!!

Thank you! You guts share a wealth of information from your experiences. Experience is the best teacher. It's nice to have somewhere to come to talk to like minded people. I don't know about you guys but this whole process consumes me, I think about it day and night. It's hard to talk to your spouse, family members or friends who don't understand your struggle, not to say they don't support you though. We can talk about this all day without a second thought.