Hi everybody. My name is Anita and I'm new to the group. I've been lurking for quite awhile, reading posts and learning a lot.

I've been overweight my whole life and am ready to get healthy. I've been dieting for years and I always end up heavier than when I started. Plus other health problems have started. Hypertension, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, knee and back problems and as of July, type 2 diabetes.

My first appointment with the PA is on Dec 22nd. I've already been to the education classes, support group meetings and Dr appointments with my boyfriend. He's having gastric bypass on the 14th. Watching his progress has inspired me to get back on track.

Our surgeon is Dr Mancini at UT Hospital in Knoxville.

Welcome and best of luck with your surgery. You are in the right place!

Best of luck to you!

@@Kamily828 - welcome to the BP family

Good luck on your WLS journey!

Welcome and good luck! Post often!

Thank yall so much

Congrats on your decision! The biggest piece of unsolicited advice I can offer is, "be patient."

This journey is not easy, it gets frustrating, it is emotional, it is physical and mentally challenging, it is going to take you down a road you can't see through the trees. It will be scary and it will take the kind of effort you sometimes don't think you have in you. But if you are patient with yourself, with those around you, with the program; you will reap rewards that will make every bump, every tear, every frustrated moment worth it.

best of luck to you. i am still in the classes phase im in month 4/5 i will finish them in feb. i also had to switch practices mid way thru so theres that but i am hopeful that i am making the right choice. i'm just in limbo until i meet my new team because i dont know what they require and i am the type that worries

Thank yall so much

I had my first appointment today. It went great. I have to do a lot of paperwork, complete 3 education classes, see the nutrtionist and have a psych eval. Then they will submit to ins for approval. I'm excited to get the process started

Gear up for your journey. Begin the health habits now that will take you to successful completion of your goal! Great place to start is getting your knowledge up to speed. This is a good team to help with your questions. Best wishes on your surgery and beyond????