Hello from a "Newbie" just starting on my journey

Hi everyone. My name is Patrique and I live in Newington, CT. I just found this site yesterday and feel like I was given a gift from God. I am 51, currently have a BMI about 55 and will be attending the info meeting at Middlesex on 11/15. (Wanted to go sooner, but they said they are all booked up) I was totally blown away when I saw that there's a good chance I can get WLS paid for by my Medicare. I am on SS Disability and am sick & tired of being a semi-cripple! I have been morbidly obese pretty much since early childhood. It's kinda weird. I have seen pics of myself at 2-3 years and I was this little normal sized blonde cutie. Then there are pics of me at 5 and I have dark hair and shaped like a beachball. Exactly what happened in those 2 years and why is a mystery I guess I will never know. At any rate, I am a theatre person and of course my weight is majorly impacting on that as well. (Sure as heck can't do all my own choreography any more, that's for sure! ) So I just wanted to say "Hi" to everyone and I'm so looking forward to my journey to a better and healthier and more FUN life!

Well hello there! Let me be the first to welcome you to our little CT family! We're so very glad that you're here. I'm a Newington native (don't currently live there tho) and a patient of Dr. Aranow. Believe me, he's worth the wait! Please do let us know if there is anything at all we can do to assist you in your journey. Questions, comments, fears, etc are all welcome here. I'm sure you'll find everyone here helpfuland supportive. Best wishes for your future happiness, Lisa C

Hi there and welcome! I live in Newington - such a small world! This is truly a gift - you are right there! I feel like I was trapped in my body, and given a gift for the "real me" to come out. It is hard to describe, but what a magical ride. Keep in touch neighbor! Tammy

Hi and welcome to this site. This is such a great place to come if you have any questions or concerns about WLS before and after. We have all been there and done that. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to come to this site and ask anything you want. Best of Luck on your Journey to a new and healthier you. Cindy

Hi, I'm a Bristol native, but now live in Westerly, Rhode Island. I also have Dr Aranow for my surgeon. I have just finished up all of my pre op testing/evaluations and have been cleared for surgery. Probably will have it in October. Don't worry about not getting into the seminar until Nov. Keep calling the office and ask if you can get in sooner. There are always people that don't show up, even though they sign up. Maybe you can get in for Sept or Oct. He may be going out of town and not having one, in one of the months. I don't know. You can, however, start attending the Middlesex Hospital support groups that a lot of us attend on a regular basis. You have to attend a certain amount (3) to pass for surgery anyways. They are held on Monday evenings at 6:30pm. Keep checking back here for info, as someone always posts a reminder and what the topic will be. Again, welcome and keep your chin up, you're in the right place! paula

Welcome! Congrats on starting the process and don't be too discouraged to find out it is a long one for some, because in the end it is sooooo worth it!! I look forward to meeting you at an upcoming support meeting! Kristin

Hi Patrique Welcome to the CT boards! Its a great site!! I am a patient of Dr. As also. I may be wrong...but before the informational meeting I think it would be OK for you to go to the pre op meetings on Mondays. There is a great group there..(pre and post ops) that often go out afterwards for dinner (or jus****er LOL) This is a great site of support and information. Glad you found us! Best Regards Joanie

Hello Patrigue Welcome to our Ct Message board!!! I am a patient of Dr Aranow. Please feel free to ask any kind of questions to all of us and we will help you to start your new journey.... Hope to meet you someday Have a nice day! Kathy K

Hi Patrique.. Welcome to the most helpful and supportive place on earth. I am around your age and when I read your post I had to take a breath since it sounded so much like what I felt before I was lucky enough to have the WLS surgery. I am also on SS Disability and Medicare payed for my surgery. I thank God every day for the chance to get a *new lease on life*. I look forward to meeting you and sharing with you the journey to good health. hugs Pattie

Patrique ~ Welcome to the what I think is the best support system out there for WLS patients. I feel that the doctor can only answer so many questions for you, and it is nice to be able to come here and have those "intimate" questions answered by people who have experienced it. I am not sure if you know my name, but I have been a member of the Rep my whole life. I haven't done anything in about two years but my most recent experiences have been with Herman's shows. Congrats to you and on your journey and keep us posted on your progress! Phyllis