My name is Melinda and I'm currently 282, I'm 37. About 17 years ago, i stopped having periods. I had terrible acne, and facial hair IN MY 20'S! As time went on I gained over 100 pounds and was diagnosed with pcos. I feel sad because I allowed my health to go from bad to worst. I currently take 3 pills for bp, cholesterol medicine, nexium, and anxiety medication. In 2009, I went through the entire gastric bypass workup, then got scared. I adopted a baby a year ago, and I can't even play with him or walk. People always say I don't look 282, BUT I FEEL IT. I CARRY MY WEIGHT IN MY MIDSECTION. 2 WEEKS AGO I DECIDED I WANT TO LIVE! I WANT TO WALK UP STEPS WITHOUT WHEEZING, I WANT TO PUT ON JEANS WITHOUT SWEATING, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY I WANT TOO SEE MY BABY GROW UP. IM CURRENTLY IN THE BEGINNING STAGES OF GETTING SLEEVED AND IM SCARED, BUT IM PRAYING AND SOLICITING SUPPORT. DR LEON KATZ IS MY DR, AND MY SURGERY WILL BE DONE AT CROZER CHESTER MEDICAL CENTER, HE'S A GREAT DR. SO PLEASE PRAY FOR ME, AND PLEASE SHARE! SHARE! SHARE! ESPECIALLY MY PCOS CYSTERS!!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Melinda..I'll keepu in my prayers.. With the positive ness we read on the website..it makes me less scared and more hopeful.

Hang in there. You are on your way to a new life.

I came to this decision scared to death. Now, I am confident that I'm doing the right thing and so excited for my surgery to come. I know what you mean by being too tired to walk or put on clothes or really just to even move. You can do it and I'm sure you will be so glad when you do.

My name is Melinda and I'm currently 282' date=' I'm 37. About 17 years ago, i stopped having periods. I had terrible acne, and facial hair IN MY 20'S! As time went on I gained over 100 pounds and was diagnosed with pcos. I feel sad because I allowed my health to go from bad to worst. I currently take 3 pills for bp, cholesterol medicine, nexium, and anxiety medication. In 2009, I went through the entire gastric bypass workup, then got scared. I adopted a baby a year ago, and I can't even play with him or walk. People always say I don't look 282, BUT I FEEL IT. I CARRY MY WEIGHT IN MY MIDSECTION. 2 WEEKS AGO I DECIDED I WANT TO LIVE! I WANT TO WALK UP STEPS WITHOUT WHEEZING, I WANT TO PUT ON JEANS WITHOUT SWEATING, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY I WANT TOO SEE MY BABY GROW UP. IM CURRENTLY IN THE BEGINNING STAGES OF GETTING SLEEVED AND IM SCARED, BUT IM PRAYING AND SOLICITING SUPPORT. DR LEON KATZ IS MY DR, AND MY SURGERY WILL BE DONE AT CROZER CHESTER MEDICAL CENTER, HE'S A GREAT DR. SO PLEASE PRAY FOR ME, AND PLEASE SHARE! SHARE! SHARE! ESPECIALLY MY PCOS CYSTERS!!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥[/quote']

I started out at 326 pounds I'm 5'3 in 45 years old. My insurance wouldn't pay so what to Mexico. I had my surgery August 31st and I currently weigh 277. Best and scariest decision I've ever made. You're in my prayers :-)

Melinda we were all frightened this is not something that is easy ... But it is a life changing decision no doubt . I am going to be 50 I have dreamed about this for years and on 9/16/13 my dream came true ,,, I have hid in the shadows of my life too long playing Russian roulette with health issues .... I am done being that person and it sounds like you are as well , you have all our prayers so do what your heart says is right ...

Thank you everyone, I'm in tears reading these. This forum is a blessing and do motivating! ! Thanks Again!!

Hi Melinda. This was such a hard decision, so scary! But, I can honestly say it was the best decision I ever made. I feel so much better everyday. Like you said, we want to be here (and healthy) for our children! This surgery has been such a blessing. I will keep you in my prayers:)

Hey there, Cyster!

I'm about 7 years older than you, but your history is similar to mine. I was finally diagnosed with PCOS just last year - apparently telling every doctor you've ever been to you have never had a regular period (maybe 3 a year - one doctor actually said "that would be nice"), you've been gaining weight consistently since age 18, etc. didn't warrant a proper diagnosis.

So, welcome to the forum and good luck with your journey. Imagine yourself being able to play with that little jelly bean baby of yours. I have a 14 year old son and my hope is that when I'm done with surgery my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner.

Take good care.

Hey there!

I have pcos too and carry my weight in the same place. I am 6 weeks and 2 days out of surgery. I've lost 37lbs so far. My starting weight was 248. No one believed me either but trust me I know exactly how u feel. I felt like I was living in the body of a 90 yr old. Best decision I've ever made was having surgery. I may not e anywhere near goal yet but the little things that have changed remind me ill get there good luck and ill keep you in my prayers

I'm starting at similar weight as you. I also have PCOS, high bp, and a heart condition that they think will reverse itself once I lose it all.

I'm 285, and just under 5'9. I find out my surgery date this Thursday. I'm totally excited to finally lose all of this and be healthy and active for my 2 kids. I know it will be slower due to the PCOS, but I'm determined to beat it and lose it all.