Hey Everyone!

I'm so excited I found this website. I'd really love to find a great support system in this journey.

3 months ago I attended the bariatric surgery information session at Salem Hospital. I decided immediately that this was the right choice for me. I've been struggling with my previous insurance company, but was able to have a qualifying event and apply for the insurance at work. I work at the hospital, and found out that my new insurance covers the program 100%. So amazing! So today I am waiting for a call back from the program, and I'm guessing that my surgery date will be about 3-4 months from now.

A little about me.

I'm 21 years old. I'm a newlywed and my husband is the most amazing support person I could ever ask for. I've struggled with weight my entire life. I did my first "diet" when I was 8 years old and 150 lbs. I can't remember the last time my pant size has been a single diget. I was in denial for the longest time. I ate my feelings, and I ignored my growing waist. When I got engaged last august I weighed 240. By the time all the wedding planning and the actual wedding happened, I weighed in at a horrifying 295.

My doctor had a sit down with me and layed it all out on the table. If I don't do something about this, I will continue down this path, and eventually kill myself. I don't want that. I want children. I want a long, beautiful life. I'm so embarassed of the person I have become. In high school I was a little bigger than the other girls, but looking back, I was a skinny (ish) beautiful young girl. I was able to run and keep up with the other girls on the cheer and softball team. I want that again.

I've always been the girl that people say "You have such a pretty face". This has been a crushing insult to me my entire life. I want people to say "You are such a pretty girl", or something that includes my whole pereson. I'm tired of having the pretty face that is dragged down by this ugly awkward body.

I can't wait to get to know all of you and do this together! I'd really love to meet a few people in similar situations as me and be able to help each other through this.

Ya i have done a orientation class, 8 week weight management class, a complexity of weight loss class and now I finally have my appointment with the nutritionist and social worker on Jan 7th. So getting closer I think! They really want you to be well informed. I also belong to the support group out of Kaiser. Long laundry list that's for sure!

I don't have Kaiser but I think the requirements are pretty much the same. Good luck to you!

Thanks! You too!

Hi justjenn did you only have to do the 3 mos diet or was there other things you had to do as well. Monday the 7th I have my social worker and nutritionist and sleep study appointments. I think I am getting pretty close to seing the surgeon.

Oh and did your file have to be reviewed before they gave you the surgery date? How do you feel now? Did you have any issues?

I spoke with the program coordinator today and I want to have surgery laproscopicly so I have to lose 15 lbs before they'll let me I to the program . boo .

I spoke with the program coordinator today and I want to have surgery laproscopicly so I have to lose 15 lbs before they'll let me I to the program . boo .

You can do it. I had to lose 29lbs when I started my 6 month weight management class. The classes are over feb 14th and I've lost 35lbs.

Ya there seems to a lot they don't tell you up front. Like its some big secret or something.

Ya i have done a orientation class' date=' 8 week weight management class, a complexity of weight loss class and now I finally have my appointment with the nutritionist and social worker on Jan 7th. So getting closer I think! They really want you to be well informed. I also belong to the support group out of Kaiser. Long laundry list that's for sure![/quote']

I hear ya! I am about 6 mos in now and still working at it! I had to get a referral from my PCP then wait two weeks for a phone call, then I had to do an orientation, meet with my weight loss coordinator, go to 2 support groups, meet with a nutritionist, then go in for a 1 month re-check with her, lost 5% of my body weight ( and keep it off until surgery), met with my surgeon, had an EGD, had another meeting with my coordinator, did a pre op orientation, and I have to weigh in every month... Now I have to wait to get a surgery date, and have another appt with my surgeon then I will be good to go! I am on the "fast track"... Ppl in my program typically take a year to 18 mos before they can even consider surgery... It's trying!

I hear ya! I am about 6 mos in now and still working at it! I had to get a referral from my PCP then wait two weeks for a phone call' date=' then I had to do an orientation, meet with my weight loss coordinator, go to 2 support groups, meet with a nutritionist, then go in for a 1 month re-check with her, lost 5% of my body weight ( and keep it off until surgery), met with my surgeon, had an EGD, had another meeting with my coordinator, did a pre op orientation, and I have to weigh in every month... Now I have to wait to get a surgery date, and have another appt with my surgeon then I will be good to go! I am on the "fast track"... Ppl in my program typically take a year to 18 mos before they can even consider surgery... It's trying![/quote']

Oh, and the psych eval!

I hear ya! I am about 6 mos in now and still working at it! I had to get a referral from my PCP then wait two weeks for a phone call' date=' then I had to do an orientation, meet with my weight loss coordinator, go to 2 support groups, meet with a nutritionist, then go in for a 1 month re-check with her, lost 5% of my body weight ( and keep it off until surgery), met with my surgeon, had an EGD, had another meeting with my coordinator, did a pre op orientation, and I have to weigh in every month... Now I have to wait to get a surgery date, and have another appt with my surgeon then I will be good to go! I am on the "fast track"... Ppl in my program typically take a year to 18 mos before they can even consider surgery... It's trying![/quote']

good grief that sounds like an epic list!

I spoke with the program coordinator today and I want to have surgery laproscopicly so I have to lose 15 lbs before they'll let me I to the program . boo .

hi Erika--don't worry you will lose those 15 lbs! just remember your goal and stick with it

Welcome! Your wedding pics are beautiful.

Thanks for all of the support guys! I'm so glad I found such a large community of supportive people!