Hello Everyone!

So I'm very new to this online support forum, and I already feel as though I know a bunch of you guys already! Reading your stories and comments has been amazing. My medical coverage is through Kaiser Permanente, and I attended their general information session and my PCP placed a bariatric referral which was approved (referral only, not necessarily the surgery). I am scheduled to attend an actual orientation this week on Thursday, and I feel like I'm already counting down the days. My partner will accompany me to provide support and ask a TON of questions (she's still in that "Are you sure you haven't tried everything possible for your weight?" part of her process).

I thought I'd post and get into the habit of staying connected to this support, and in doing so, I'd like to introduce myself to you all and share a brief bit about my journey. Here goes: I am 31-years-old, I've traveled around the world, I'm educated, have a loving partner of 11 years, I'm a Mental Health Therapist, I have 2 awesome dogs (my babies), I have wonderful friends, and I come from a large family. I also happen to have a BMI of 59. Isn't it interesting how many of us look good "on paper," yet there's always that ONE thing that seems to hold us back in every other way?

My hope is that this journey will represent that second shot at life.

It's great to be here with you all.

Update: You know, it really helps having this forum not only for support, but for personal accountability as well. Right now, I'm sitting in a Kaiser waiting room waiting to be called in for my EKG/ECG. This is literally the last formal pre-op hoop for me to jump through prior to getting scheduled for surgery. If all goes well with this appointment, the doctor will then review my file before giving the green light for me to be scheduled. I'm already so nervous about that. As much as we plan and think of the future, the idea of actually being scheduled scares the crap out of me! Courage is taking action in spite of fear, so that's all I'm clinging to right now.

One step at a time...

@@LaDivaDev ... you rock!

You're going to continue to do great after surgery.

Best wishes for a perfect surgery and easy recovery.

La diva dev

Proud if you!! Way to go, you will feel better once you get your date and then finally surgery. I know had my surgery Nov 12 went from 265 (June 30) to now 130. I feel GREAT!! so will you.

Sent from my Z970 using the BariatricPal App

Update: You know, it really helps having this forum not only for support, but for personal accountability as well. Right now, I'm sitting in a Kaiser waiting room waiting to be called in for my EKG/ECG. This is literally the last formal pre-op hoop for me to jump through prior to getting scheduled for surgery. If all goes well with this appointment, the doctor will then review my file before giving the green light for me to be scheduled. I'm already so nervous about that. As much as we plan and think of the future, the idea of actually being scheduled scares the crap out of me! Courage is taking action in spite of fear, so that's all I'm clinging to right now.

One step at a time...

You are doing so great! I'm right behind you, my psych appt is May 17th. After that I have the EKG and then hopefully I'll get a date.

Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App

Rough week: this past week has proved the concept of "when life gets in the way." Long story short, I'm in Napa, CA with a group. Napa aka Wine Country is completely filled with wine, champagne and lots of good food. To make matters worse, I stepped on the scale before leaving home this morning only to find myself with a gain of a couple of pounds (due to late night snacking and improperly timed meal with little exercise this past week). I want to hit the reset button right now so badly, but I have to get through the weekend. Ugh! This is truly challenging!!!

Rough week: this past week has proved the concept of "when life gets in the way." Long story short, I'm in Napa, CA with a group. Napa aka Wine Country is completely filled with wine, champagne and lots of good food. To make matters worse, I stepped on the scale before leaving home this morning only to find myself with a gain of a couple of pounds (due to late night snacking and improperly timed meal with little exercise this past week). I want to hit the reset button right now so badly, but I have to get through the weekend. Ugh! This is truly challenging!!!

Take it one day, one meal at a time.