Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

My name is Adrianna, and I am 16 years old and I'm from New Jersey. As of the 5th grade (I am now a Junior in high school), I hit puberty which had caused me to gain weight. I had been bullied because of my height (I'm 5'10) and my weight. The bullying stoped once I became a freshman in high school. Everyday a student OR teacher/staff would pass a fat comment, or a remark about my weight. I begged my parents to homeschool me so I wouldn't have to deal with this. The day I came home crying because I was threatened, my mom knew it was time for me to seek help. My parents took me to my pediatrician, and he made me get blood-work done for EVERYTHING. The blood results always came back clear, and there was nothing wrong with me. My parents took me to St. Barnabas to see an endocrinologist since my parents didn't believe that I was okay. I was 14 at the time. She tested me for CPOS and Diabetes. It turns out I was positive for Type 2 Diabetes (my father has it), and I also tested positive for CPOS. The endocrinologist was very upset with my doctor since he kept testing me for the wrong stuff all my life, and she was mad when we told her he doesn't treat kids with diabetes and CPOS. At this point, she suggested that I join to a gym and see if that will help me lose weight on my own. I went to the HackensackUMC Fitness & Wellness Powered by the Giants in New Jersey for about 8 months, and I had a personal trainer 5 days a week who made sure I would lose weight. He worked me out to the fullest. I weighed 350 pounds at that time, and I would go there almost every single day and work out but my numbers would NOT move, so we decided to see the endocrinologist again. She said that it's finally time for surgery. She recommended us to Dr. Sadek in Somerville, New Jersey who specializes in adolescents to adults. I met with him in February, and I told him my story. He said that he would do it since I had no other choice. I dieted, I exercised, I did everything to lose weight and he knew I was struggling. I had to go see many doctors just to get approved. My original surgery date was April 5th, 2017. The insurance had denied it because it was not a "medical emergency" and I was not 100% skeletal. We appealed the surgery, and a month later I had gotten approved. My surgery was on May 24th, 2017. It was hard for me to learn new eating habits from a sippy cup to a baby utensil. I am now 6 weeks out. I had lost 35 pounds. My CPOS facial hair is almost gone. It's very light hairs. Before the surgery, I kept to myself and didn't talk as much because of the bullying. Since I got the surgery, I am WAY more confident in myself and I have my new friends to support me throughout this journey. I'm glad I got this surgery done because I feel great.

Edited by adriannaruth

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Good for you Sweetie. Good luck with your new life.

HW 330
SW 292
CW 226.0
GW below 200

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm glad you found someone who would help you and that you're feeling great! Thanks for sharing your story. Very happy for you!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My name is Adrianna, and I am 16 years old and I'm from New Jersey. As of the 5th grade (I am now a Junior in high school), I hit puberty which had caused me to gain weight. I had been bullied because of my height (I'm 5'10) and my weight. The bullying stoped once I became a freshman in high school. Everyday a student OR teacher/staff would pass a fat comment, or a remark about my weight. I begged my parents to homeschool me so I wouldn't have to deal with this. The day I came home crying because I was threatened, my mom knew it was time for me to seek help. My parents took me to my pediatrician, and he made me get blood-work done for EVERYTHING. The blood results always came back clear, and there was nothing wrong with me. My parents took me to St. Barnabas to see an endocrinologist since my parents didn't believe that I was okay. I was 14 at the time. She tested me for CPOS and Diabetes. It turns out I was positive for Type 2 Diabetes (my father has it), and I also tested positive for CPOS. The endocrinologist was very upset with my doctor since he kept testing me for the wrong stuff all my life, and she was mad when we told her he doesn't treat kids with diabetes and CPOS. At this point, she suggested that I join to a gym and see if that will help me lose weight on my own. I went to the HackensackUMC Fitness & Wellness Powered by the Giants in New Jersey for about 8 months, and I had a personal trainer 5 days a week who made sure I would lose weight. He worked me out to the fullest. I weighed 350 pounds at that time, and I would go there almost every single day and work out but my numbers would NOT move, so we decided to see the endocrinologist again. She said that it's finally time for surgery. She recommended us to Dr. Sadek in Somerville, New Jersey who specializes in adolescents to adults. I met with him in February, and I told him my story. He said that he would do it since I had no other choice. I dieted, I exercised, I did everything to lose weight and he knew I was struggling. I had to go see many doctors just to get approved. My original surgery date was April 5th, 2017. The insurance had denied it because it was not a "medical emergency" and I was not 100% skeletal. We appealed the surgery, and a month later I had gotten approved. My surgery was on May 24th, 2017. It was hard for me to learn new eating habits from a sippy cup to a baby utensil. I am now 6 weeks out. I had lost 35 pounds. My CPOS facial hair is almost gone. It's very light hairs. Before the surgery, I kept to myself and didn't talk as much because of the bullying. Since I got the surgery, I am WAY more confident in myself and I have my new friends to support me throughout this journey. I'm glad I got this surgery done because I feel great.

Congratulations sweetie keep up the good work and keep us posted[emoji3]


Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@adriannaruth, thank you for sharing your story. You are taking control of your health, and that is something to be so proud of.

Enjoy the journey. It will be amazing watching everything transform before your eyes.

I wish you all the best. Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

All the best to you. You will find some very smart and kind people here to help you on your journey. I'm so happy you are getting help. I wish I had done this sooner. Your whole life is ahead of you!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you for sharing your story. I wish you many blessings on your journey. I hope you will continue to post your progress.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

On 7/10/2017 at 9:46 PM, adriannaruth said:

My name is Adrianna, and I am 16 years old and I'm from New Jersey. As of the 5th grade (I am now a Junior in high school), I hit puberty which had caused me to gain weight. I had been bullied because of my height (I'm 5'10) and my weight. The bullying stoped once I became a freshman in high school. Everyday a student OR teacher/staff would pass a fat comment, or a remark about my weight. I begged my parents to homeschool me so I wouldn't have to deal with this. The day I came home crying because I was threatened, my mom knew it was time for me to seek help. My parents took me to my pediatrician, and he made me get blood-work done for EVERYTHING. The blood results always came back clear, and there was nothing wrong with me. My parents took me to St. Barnabas to see an endocrinologist since my parents didn't believe that I was okay. I was 14 at the time. She tested me for CPOS and Diabetes. It turns out I was positive for Type 2 Diabetes (my father has it), and I also tested positive for CPOS. The endocrinologist was very upset with my doctor since he kept testing me for the wrong stuff all my life, and she was mad when we told her he doesn't treat kids with diabetes and CPOS. At this point, she suggested that I join to a gym and see if that will help me lose weight on my own. I went to the HackensackUMC Fitness & Wellness Powered by the Giants in New Jersey for about 8 months, and I had a personal trainer 5 days a week who made sure I would lose weight. He worked me out to the fullest. I weighed 350 pounds at that time, and I would go there almost every single day and work out but my numbers would NOT move, so we decided to see the endocrinologist again. She said that it's finally time for surgery. She recommended us to Dr. Sadek in Somerville, New Jersey who specializes in adolescents to adults. I met with him in February, and I told him my story. He said that he would do it since I had no other choice. I dieted, I exercised, I did everything to lose weight and he knew I was struggling. I had to go see many doctors just to get approved. My original surgery date was April 5th, 2017. The insurance had denied it because it was not a "medical emergency" and I was not 100% skeletal. We appealed the surgery, and a month later I had gotten approved. My surgery was on May 24th, 2017. It was hard for me to learn new eating habits from a sippy cup to a baby utensil. I am now 6 weeks out. I had lost 35 pounds. My CPOS facial hair is almost gone. It's very light hairs. Before the surgery, I kept to myself and didn't talk as much because of the bullying. Since I got the surgery, I am WAY more confident in myself and I have my new friends to support me throughout this journey. I'm glad I got this surgery done because I feel great.

Throughout all that you have been through, I am proud that you had family that didn't stop caring for you. My dear sweet girl you keep up the great work. I applaud you.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You are very brave for 16 and I am rooting for your success, you go girl.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am very happy you finally got the help you needed. Best of luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

What an amazing soul you are Adrianna. I know you do not know me but I am so proud of you. So proud. I hope you are proud of yourself because you should be. You are 16 years old and today you gave me someone to look up to at nearly 30 years old. I just completed my 6 month review with my nutritionist and I now am able to meet with the nurse practioner (July 26, then go to seminar on Aug 14th. Then I can meet with the surgeons and get a date for surgery. Fingers crossed.). As you can see I still have no idea how long I have until surgery but you give me the faith and the strength to carry on and not give up. You are awesome Adrianna. Thank you for giving me the mind to never ever give up and keep pushing forward. XOXO. I'm looking forward to hearing about your amazing success in the future. You have a bright one ahead of you!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using BariatricPal mobile app

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 1 reply
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×