My name is Melanie. I am a 30 yr old wife, mother and nurse. I have been struggling with my weight for over 10 years and have finally made the decision to make a lifelong change. I am so excited to have surgery. To have that missing tool that will help me to be successful, to be able to run a 5k without stopping to walk, to play with my kids for hours outside instead of sitting in the lawn chair. The list of reasons to have surgery goes on and on. Most of all I am doing this for myself. I want to live a long, healthy life.

I have tried every diet and exercise program there is. I have met with doctors, nutritionist, diet specialist, personal trainers. You name it, I have tried it. None of these programs have helped me to have long term success. I have however learned how to make healthy choices, meal plan and journal my food. During these ventures I have also learned that I really enjoy exercising. I know, ENJOY it! I can’t wait until I can exercise without my body telling me to stop or slow down. To be able to run without that extra 100lbs! To feel free, free from the weight that has been holding me back and slowing me down.

I am hoping to have my approval by the end of May so I can be scheduled in June. My husband and family are supportive of my decision to have weight loss surgery. I have told a couple of my close friends and coworkers and that was liberating. For some reason I felt like it was something to be ashamed of. Once I told a couple of people suddenly that was gone. I no longer feel like I have to hide me decision. I no longer have to hide the fact that I indeed need more help to lose weight then what I have had.

I have really appreciated reading all the stories and posts on here. I have really found support and comfort in many of the comments and threads on here. I look forward to reading more and hopefully someday help people with their decision and provide support to others like you have done for me.

Thank u for sharing! Sounds a lot like me as well. Good luck and God bless!

Welcome, Melanie! We're on the same schedule. I'm also excited & nervous & sometimes stressed about it all. It helps a lot to read all the stories & info on here.

My name is Jorge I live in jersey I started at 315 pre op I just had my one month visit wit my dr and I'm down to 273 that's 42 Pds in first month I'm extatic hope I keep this up