I have a date!!!

Alot of people don't seem to realize this really is major surgery and you can really hurt yourself if you're not careful. It's a whole lifestyle change. It does sound like you have enough people around to keep you going, and that's great. Think of how it is after you have a baby. You need lots of rest and help. This is kinda the same thing. Ask anyone you can for help, whether it be with babysitting or housework. And if you have to let the housework get a little behind, so be it. Just make sure to take care of yourself first! And this may sound bad, but take advantage of the girls being older. They can help alot, especially with the baby. And just keep a positive attitude! And those walks will be great exercise opportunities for you. The WISH Center has me working out 6 days a week now, to get myself used to how it's going to be "post-op". Is there any way for you to keep the stroller outside in a more accessible spot, like a garage or anything, where you wouldn't have to carry it upstairs? It's going to be tough, but the more you smile, the easier things will seem. It's when you get down in the dumps that things can really seem dark and hopeless. You're taking a major step here, just keep the final goal in mind and it will be all the easier.

I wish I did have someplace to keep the stroller, but I live in the city, park on the street, etc... it's not pretty for trying to find outdoor storage... if I had a shed out back, I'd STILL have to take it down steps to get it to sidewalk level... argh... still working on this one. I am positive though, I'm positive this is the right thing for me (and my children) I'm positive that the inconvenience of asking for help for a few weeks is worth it in the long run, I'm positive that the health improvements will benefit my children and myself, I'm positive that I will survive the impact of this surgery just as I survived the impact of childbirth 3 times, I'm positive that even without support from certain other people that I will do well with this and that no one can tell me otherwise. I am not down in the dumps, I'm tired... I am still waiting on my c-pap because I needed a special type of mask that they didn't carry. So I'm waiting on a special order. Just got off the phone with the place, they are hoping to get it tomorrow and have me set up with it by friday end of business... what a wonderful start for me, using this for the first time when I don't have kids all weekend and can benefit that much more from it!!! Huggles! Rachel

I have a date also...Sept. 14, so I'd like to join this group too, if ya'll dont mind, that is. I have loved reading all your posts and am so excited for all of you as well as for me....I'm ready to have a new birthday! Char

Yeah Char!!! Bet you can't wait to be a loser either? HUGGLES Rachel

You know it Rachel! We all want to be on that losing side don't we? I know you've probably heard this before, but, here it is again: don't let others opinions bother you. Easier said than done, I know, but they have no idea what you are going thru, so they have no business judging you. You are a strong courageous woman who cares about her family, what can they know about you that is more important than that? Char

Thanks Char, I think I like you already! lol There are very few people *****ally do know what it's like to be me, but ya know what, at least here at OH I can find people who understand the weight end of things... I keep hearing that I'm not the typical bariatric patient also, I already have the diet down pat, I eat healthy foods, live a healthy (as possible) lifestyle, just can't lose the weight because I didn't gain it naturally... that said, I did splurge while shopping last night and bought myself some Ben & Jerry's Ice cream LOL... Haven't touched it yet though... been too busy eating snickerdoodles... okay, so eating hasn't gotten me here, but I do have my binge moments LOL... and this happens to be one of them, hope I don't put on too many lbs during it. Huggles Rachel

Welcome! your scheduled 20 days before me.. You Jump first.. I do enjoy being in the OH circle of friends,, Connie

LOL... it will be my pleasure to jump first in this case... I'm still waiting on insurance to approve it, but I don't see any problems with that happening. This weekend is the last for many of my medications that keep my quality of life as good as it is (and that's a scary thought cuz my quality of life is horrible) so I'm hoping the month will go quickly!!! Look forward to getting to know you, and yeah I enjoy the DE circle of friends too! Rachel