Please let me introduce myself...

Greetings, all! My name is Marcie, I am 41 years old (today is my birthday!), and I live in Indiana. I'm 5'3" tall and weigh about 275 lb. I've been married almost 22 years, and my hubby and I have three teenagers. I have struggled with weight since puberty hit at age 11. I managed to keep my weight down because I was into gymnastics, cheerleading, and I walked everywhere I went (I lived in a small town). And after high school, I got into aerobics, swimming, and I worked on my feet all day in a department store, so while I had to watch what I ate, I was able to keep my weight within 'norm'. The 'real' trouble started after I had my last child, almost 15 years ago. I took me 11 years to learn that what I have is PCOS. From 1989 to now, I have gained 130 lb. Along with MO, I also suffer from PCOS (insulin resistance), depression, arthritis, GERD, and IBS, just to name a few. Anywhoo, I started researching wls in 2001 because I had seen so many people on talk shows like Maury Povich and Jenny Jones who had gastric bypass surgery and were doing so well. Sharon Osbourne's and Carnie Wilson's stories also inspired me. I also learned that my husband's insurance covered the surgical treatment of MO. So... on January 24, 2003, I attended a seminar/consultation at the St. Vincent Bariatric Center in Carmel, Indiana, and I knew right there and then that this is what I need. I filed my paperwork with my insurance company in April 2003. My mom was terminally ill, and so everything wls-related took a back seat until her passing in July. (I miss my mumsy!) After Mom's death, I started thinking about wls again. It was at that time I realized I needed a letter of recommendation from my PCP (the insurance company sent me a letter asking for one a couple of months before), so I made an appointment to see her (my PCP). She told me that since I had never been on a 'physician-supervised' diet while under her care, I needed to see a dietitian for six months. Well, it lasted for three. I was soooo hungry all the time -- I couldn't even concentrate on work! My PCP wrote the letter of recommendation in December 2003. Now, after mailing my request and faxing it twice, my husband's insurance company pre-approved my surgery request on the first go-round! (Not only am I impatient, I'm also persistent!) I have my nutrition class on Friday, March 5th, my pre-op testing Tuesday, March 9th, and my surgery is scheduled for Monday, March 29th! After all of this time of prayer and research, I am ready, and I know the Lord is with me on this one. So in a nutshell, you have it. Take care, all, and have a wonderful evening! Hugs, -Marcie

Hi Marcie !!! Welcome to the Marchers Hugs, Mo (and the happy Mo dancin' feet )

WELCOME, GOOD TO SEE YOU.

Well, hey there Marcie and Happy Birthday cutie Im Kimmie. its great to meet you and i hope i hear more from you in the future. you are in my prayers...hugs and kisses Kimmie

Marcie, Thank goodness I found another 29ther!!!!! I am sorry to hear about your mother. You must miss her terribly. Are you getting nervous? I am very much so. anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself. Hope to talk to you soon. Sam

Great to meet all of you folks in here!! this sounds encouraging already. Can anyone tell me how to get my picture in here?

Welcome to Marchers.... I am actually Marching 4th.

Welcome, Marcie. Sounds like you have been through a lot. You have come to the right place to give and receive encouragement. We are the MARCHERS! Joy (3/1)

Marcie: Welcome from another PCOS "cyster" to another. You and I both had the same onset of puberty/weight problems. So many women go through that and never realize the reason for their weight issues. I certainly didn't, but now it's all so crystal clear looking back on it. Heck - I'm just happy that my skin finally cleared up. It only took 25 years for that to happen (I'm 37)!!! Dina