Hi all, I'm just getting started with research (and saving $$) and this forum has been super helpful so far. Just wanted to say hello since I feel weird lurking. I'm a divorced mom of 2 on the east coast, I work full time in pharma development, and I love to run. My love of running is what brought me here, as I am having a very hard time with it due to the excess weight pressure on my knees and hips. My mother is 55 and in a wheelchair now, I don't want mine to be the same fate.

Hi new friends!!

hi new friends!!

@@SassyScienceNerd

hi back at ya

Welcome Welcome and Welcome

happy to know you've stopped "lurking"

kindof creepy!! LOL

glad you are enjoying the board

everyone is here to help you

people will give good info, advice, experiences etc

you are self pay?

saving money for surgery

read as much as you can about your surgery (sleeve, lapband, etc)

go to u-tube

google

good books around

http://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/the-big-books/products/the-big-book-on-bariatric-surgery

if you are going to Mexico for surgery, the below link should help with info

http://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/486-mexico-self-pay-gastric-sleeve-surgery/

the above book - series of books are written by our fearless leader of Bariatric Pal

@@Alex Brecher - he started this board

if you are not going to Mexico - the helllll with you (only kidding bud)

"Dummies" series of books from cookbooks, pre-op, post op - other good stuff too!!

continue to come to the board

read lots of questions and answers

(there will be a test) LOL

you'll find many questions similar to your thoughts/questions

ask YOUR questions too!!

having running as a motivator to lose weight is wonderful

while/after you lose weight - your running will improve

helping you in races etc

being in a wheelchair at the young age of 55 is sad

but a motivator showing what you don't want in life ahead of you

sad that is moms situation

hope you have surgery sooner than later

you are on your way to a healthier, happier, longer life

good luck

kathy

Thanks Kathy! Yes, I'll be self pay, my insurance doesn't cover the procedure for me without comorbidities, which, thankfully I don't have. I'm thinking probably Mexico. I've received info from the bariatricpal affiliated practices, so I've tucked that away. I'm leaning towards the sleeve procedure, looks like fewer follow ups than the lap band. It's going to take a while to squirrel away enough cash, which will give me plenty of time to settle in and research.

It's been a year and I finally saved up enough to get 'er done! :happydance: