Well I just joined and I have been addicted to reading all different kinda of posts. Here is my story....I grew up the oldest of 4 girls. My weight starting to jump the summer going into 3rd grade. My parents own a very successful business but back then it required a lot of their time so the fridge and cabinets were pretty much free reign. I remember in 3rd grade getting on the scale and I hit 100lbs. Every year my weight kept going up and up. By high school senior year I had hit a high of about 220. I got down before prom to 200lbs and was a size 18. In 2007 I had my first son and 2 months after I had horrible headaches and my vision was horrible. I went to the doctor and was sent in for an emergency MRI. Never did I imagine what was to come. I was diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor the size of a baseball. I had surgery 10 days later and another to follow 2 months later. Thank god it wasn't cancerous but it was the most trying time in my whole life. But even though I was given a second chance I still loved food. I had my second son in 2008 and never got back to pre baby weight. Today I am probably about 310. I want the life that I always wanted. To have energy for my kids, have a great marriage and just be happy in my own skin. Who doesnt want to go to the mall and be able to shop at any store and not just lane bryant or torrid? Being fat has always held me back. I have my first meeting this Wednesday and I am so nervous about insurance. I know I qualify but now it's the waiting game with insurance that supposedly won't cover WLS. To whomever reads this thank you.

Welcome! This is an amazing life changing experience. You will love it, I'm so happy and I know u will be too!! Best Wishes!

Thank you so much!! This is such a cool thing to have have support from people you've never met!!!

So happy you joined us! I've gaining weight consistently since about nine years old. Never been a normal weight a day in my life. I'm looking forward to surgery so much there aren't words. I want to feel confident for the first time ever! It may take longer than you'd like, but stick with the process, it's worth it!

SD:8/21/13

Welcome! This site is filled with people who can relate.

Welcome, and best wishes to you as you begin this journey! I think this site has been the best thing for me as I've gone through the process, and I'm sure you'll find the same to be true. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you on the insurance issue...how do you plan to get around that? I just had my 6th PCP visit this week and expect that as soon as my doctor's office submits to insurance, my policy will all of a sudden not cover WLS....I know it's unlikely, but I can't keep from thinking about it!! Glad you're here with us!

Well I looked online at my benefits and it excludes any weight loss surgery but my friend said that the doctor will send a letter to the insurance that it is medically necessary which it is. I am going to the initial meeting about if WLS is right for me.

Hang in there girlie! I was afraid that the insurance wont approve me because of my age, but that isnt a issue. I have 2 months left of my supervised diet and then I get submitted to the insurance! Good luck!