Hi there everyone~

I've been lurking around the forums for a bit, and decided it was probably time to actually introduce myself and get involved = )

I'm 28 years old (just had my birthday 2 weeks ago!) ~ been overweight and up and down my entire life. I stopped to think and I said to myself... I'm almost 30 years old, and I'm so incredibly unhealthy... how is this any way to live? My mother died from a heart attack at the age of 34, and I realized that I'm so close to being right there -- and I absolutely don't want to go the same route! So... here I am = )

This is actually a big week for me all-around: tomorrow I have upper GI x-rays, Thursday morning is my appointment for cardiac clearance, and then that afternoon is my 3rd (and hopefully final!) dieting/weight loss appointment! My insurance requires at least 3 months and 5% weight loss, and as of this morning I'm right at it -- had my Psych eval last week and came out fine, have my medical necessity letter from my PCP -- so just a couple more days and then I should be able to submit for approval!

When I first started 3 months seemed like SO far away, but it snuck up on me so darned quickly! With luck, I could be setting a surgery date in 2 weeks! I'm to the point now where I'm starting to get much more nervous about things, but I'm trying to keep my head up. My best friend had a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy done in May, and it's been great to have someone so close to me who's going through WLS as well. I'm so happy for her and how well she's doing, and she's been an incredible support for me -- reminding me that I *can* do it!

So many of you on here have such incredible stories -- you are so inspiring! Thank you for sharing, for having answers to a lot of questions that I have, and for all the bits of info that I never would have thought of!

~Shannon

Welcome! I am right where you are. I am trying to get my preposition testing done, approved and surgery scheduled by mid August. I have truly been inspired by everyone here! Thanks for finally coming out of the shadows and saying hello *wink wink*

Welcome! This is such a wonderful resource!

Welcome everyone here is really nice and all this info can't get to much

Welcome

Welcome to the group yes we are a great bunch of people.

WELCOME!! some of us are not as great as others =(. If i get out of line just ask mami to slap me and i usually get right back in line =)

Sounds like you have some great resources close to home and that is great! I look forward to reading more posts from you!

WELCOME!! some of us are not as great as others =(. If i get out of line just ask mami to slap me and i usually get right back in line =)

Sounds like you have some great resources close to home and that is great! I look forward to reading more posts from you!

Lolz anytime