Hi everyone,

I have finally made the decision to move forward with weight loss surgery. I am in my mid-40s and married with two college age kids. I was that skinny kid growing up that could eat anything. Getting pregnant was like flipping a switch. Each year, I gained more weight until reaching my highest today at 263. I have tried Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Nutrisystem, diet pills, Vitamin shots and even denial. None have worked for me. I have a BMI of 42.4. My inner skinny girl is anxious to come out!

After extensive research, I am considering the sleeve gastrectomy. So far, I attended a seminar. My appointment with the surgeon is June 18. Looks like my insurance is requiring a psych consult and nutritionist consult. Nutritionist will be done the same day.

This site has already been extremely helpful. Thank you all for sharing such personal information. It really makes a difference. I will try to follow your example and do the same.

Hospital - Emory Johns Creek/Atlanta Bariatric Center

Surgeon - Undecided, probably William H. Johnson, MD, FACS

Reading your story was so much like my own it was scary. I too have recently decided to have the procedure done and can't wait to stop carrying all of this weight around.

I wish you well on your journey!

Congratulations to you! And how exciting! It is such a huge, life-changing decision to make but one that you, most assuredly, will not regret. Yes, you have found a great site in Bariatric Pal. There is a wealth of information here, as well as so many supportive and caring people who are traveling the same road you are. There is such power in that. The other thing I really appreciate about these forums is that people are most often very respectful of each other.

Psych/nutrition consults are standard procedure. It is really important (obviously) that you are deemed emotionally capable of coping with the dramatic lifestyle changes that are required as a result of WLS.

Be sure to inquire about their aftercare program. More and more studies are showing that attending post-surgery support groups are beneficial in long-term WLS success. I know that has been the case for me. I am three years post-op and have attended weekly groups the whole time. It keeps me accountable and remembering that I am a WLS patient FOREVER.

Best wishes as you head off on your new adventure. Have fun. Take it one step at a time. It can seem overwhelming at times. Just remember to pause and breathe, and you will do fine. Keep us all posted. . .

Reading your story was so much like my own it was scary. I too have recently decided to have the procedure done and can't wait to stop carrying all of this weight around.

I wish you well on your journey!

Good luck to you too!!

Psych/nutrition consults are standard procedure. It is really important (obviously) that you are deemed emotionally capable of coping with the dramatic lifestyle changes that are required as a result of WLS.

Thank you! Can I make an appointment for the psych consult now or do I have to wait for my dr appt?