new to the messageboard

Hi, This is my first time posting and I am not sure how everything works. I am just in the beginning process. I had my first appointment with my surgeon Dr. Yood. He did my gall bladder operation and i like him very much. I guess I have so many questions, but I just wanted to introduce myself so here is a little bit about me. I am almost 49 yrs old(October 28th) and have been heavy all my life. My story is not different than most. I have tried and failed at almost every diet out there. I probably have lost over 1,000 lbs. over the years. Now my health is starting to fail little by little. I am just under 300 lbs (295 to be exact) and boy can I feel it. I am amrried with 2 beautiful children who are grown. I guess at this point in my life I am tired of the constant battle and i am tired of hurting every time i move. Well if anyone has any advice they would like to share it would be greatly appreciated.

Camille, Welcome to the WLS Family. Your making the right decision in your life. I too had difficulty with weight since I was 10 years old. I am 43 years old and have never been under 300lbs. I am postop 8 months now and have lost 102lbs. It was the best decision I could of ever made in my life. I was sick all the time, hurting in my back and legs, and lots of medical problems too. I decided I wanted to be around along time for my daughter and my husband and enough was enough. It was scary at first making this decision but I would do it all again in a heart beat. I have made alot of wonderful friends on the OH Site and its like a family here. Whenever you need advice, have questions, to vent or just to chat everyone is so kind and compasionate here. You will see as time goes by how much support and love you will receive here. If you need someone to be your anchor I am here for you. If you need an angel to be with you through all this I can be that too. I am so grateful that I signed up on this site and had so many people pulling for me. You are on the right road to a wonderful journey and Dr. Yood is a sweetheart. I had Dr. Barajas in that group, and let me tell you that is a wonderful group of caring and compasionate people. Your in good hands. GOOD LUCK AND WELCOME TO THE FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hugs KimC

Kimmie, Thank you so much for your reply. I have been checking in on this messageboard for quite some time and it seems like everyone is very helpful. I would love any support you can give. I have just made my appointment with Chris Lodi. This should be very interesting. I also have my appt. with Diana and am very curious about this diet she will put me on. It is both exciting and scarey. To think that one day i might be able to look at myself in the mirror and see a thinner person. I think that will blow me away just like that show on tv "the Swan" when they look in the mirror and see themselves transformed. I am trying to keep a journal of my journey to look back on someday. Here is a dumb question: What exactly is an angel? I would love one of them.

Welcome Camille, You have lots of company on your journey here and there will always be someone here to ask questions to as well as just vent to if needed. So, feel free to ask questions or just ramble. Take care and again, Welcome! Julio

Hi Camille, I am pretty new here too. I am still pre-op, but have had all my appts, but the actual pre-op consult w/ the surgeon done. So I am close, but not yet there. I, just like you, watched this message board for a while before I posted or spoke to anyone. Let me tell you everyone is great. Anytime you have a question or concern or whatever, you get plenty of help and support, and friends. I am not a great one for advice unless its a pre-op question, but I am glad to answer anything that I can. Eveyone has been so nice and very helpful here. Welcome Bree

Thanks Bree, It is great to be hearing from so many people. I usually am the kind of person who likes to keep to myself, but not in this case. I guess most of my questions will be post op but I will be calling on you if the need arises. Again, thanks so much.

Thank you Julio for your support. I see you on here quite a bit. It would seem that you are a great supporter of people. How fortunate to have found you.

Welcome to the CT board Camille. You will find a lot of encouragement and support here. Feel free to ask anything you would like. Congratulations on the beginning of your journey. I reccomend reading a lot of profiles to get many different perspectives and stories on the weight loss surgery. Good lucky with your journey and keep us posted as to how you are making out. Maggie

HI CAMILLE, IM FROM EAST HAVEN ALSO AND MY SURGEON WAS DR.YOOD. I HAD MY SURGERY ON 7/26/05 AND IM GLAD I DID IT...I HAVE LOST 52lbs SINCE THEN...THIS IS JUST AMAZING...WELCOME TO OH AND WE HOPE TO CONTINUE HEARING FROM YOU.... ANNETTE (east haven)

Welcome to the CT board and OH Camille! You will find the CT board very suppportive and non-judgemental. I work with a fellow who had Dr. Yood as his surgeon and has done very well since having his surgery. He has only good things to say about him. I am just over 1 yr post op (gastric bypass-Dr. Neil Floch) and my life has improved so much...far beyond what I could have even dreamed of. Believe me when I say...Yours will too! I wish you continued good luck as you progress through the preop process. Remember this... YOU ARE IMPORTANT... and with each appointment...each preop test...you will be that much closer to your new Hope and Possibility of renewed health and freedom! Towanda