Getting Started

I've just started looking into the thought of WLS - up until now I've been so sure that it would kill me to have it but now that I'm 374 lbs and I look at my 6 month old daughter - I'm sure it'll kill me not to have it. Did anyone else have the honest fear of death? Is this normal? I'm ready to begin my journey..I think..and I think I've been led here for a reason!

Heather, I think this is your wake up call . I've just finished all my appt's and I'm trying to get insurance approval. It has been just over a year since I made the call to put my name a the list. YES there is a waiting list for most of the doctor;s that perform this .You will go through a lot of emotional ups and downs .My dr is Dr. David Giles at UCONN and I have been through a few tests. I feel confident I will have the best care, they leave nothing to chance.My only regret is that I waited this long and didn't do it years ago!! There is a support group that meets every 2nd monday of the month at the dowling south building in farmington at 6:30 pm if your in the area go the next one id nov.10th .I went for the first time a couple of months ago abd wished i had gone sooner it's like having family around you and you find out so much!!!PLEASE don't be shy go take a friend,family member ,spouse anyone to give you support everyone is welcome and it's free!!If I can help email me !! [email protected] YOUR NOT ALONE ! I WAS YOU SIX MONTHS AGO !

Hi Heather, I'm so glad that you have found this site. You will find so much support and information here. As for your fear of death with this surgery... I think that it is very NORMAL! It is a healthy fear when considering a major surgery such as this. When I first started considering this surgery as an option I went through the same doubts that you seem to be having. But I had to ask myself... at my before surgery weight, was I REALLY living? My answer to that question was NO. I had stopped doing things that I liked to do because of my weight. I was having so many health problems and on so many medications for various conditions (diabetes, High cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc.) that I was miserable. I had stopped enjoying life which meant that my family didn't enjoy being around me. Now this surgery is not for everyone... so you should seriously consider and weigh the pros and cons of having this major surgery for yourself. But I can tell you that for me it has been a godsend. It's been 5 months since my surgery. I've lost almost 90 lbs. I'm off of all of my medications. I feel great. I am now enjoying life... and I know that as I continue to lose weight and get to my goal... I will enjoy things that were taken away from me by my obesity. Dr. Giles at the UCONN Health Center in Farmington also performed my surgery. He is an excellent doctor and I would recommend him to anyone. As Traci stated in her message to you... go to a support group, meet some other people who are going through this. In addition to the support group that Traci mentioned in Farmington... I know that there is also a support group on the first Thursday of every month in Montville. These support groups are open to all and you will be welcomed with open arms. Feel free to email me with any questions, concerns, or if you just need some support. You can also click on the profile button at the bottom of this post to read my journal. Good Luck and I hope to hear from you soon. Kim

Hi Heather, I understand how your feeling. I have been reading and researching it took me 2 years to finally say hey i have to do something. I came to this conclusion when i had to get off a ride at 6 flags because the seat belt didn't fit around me. The look in my daughters eyes broke my heart into a thousand pieces. I am not only hurting myself but my family also. i know the feeling of wanting to be around to see your children grow up. I did take that first step. I called 3 surgeons to set an appointment to attend one of their group confrences. yes i finally choice one. I am now under the care of Dr. Jonathan Aranow of middletown, CT. I met with him personally the begining of september 2003. He gave me a list of appointments that needed to be made. I only have 2 more to complete. This is the best decision I ever made to turn my life around. I can tell you this much Heather, you have come to the right place to find out information. This site has really enlightened me. read up on the wls. Thats what i did. and like i said obesityhelp.com really help me through some of my fears. It's like everyone here is one happy, helpful family. May God bless you and your daughter. Gigi