New to message boards...

Hi there, Bonnie Miller, sweetest woman I have met in a long time, told me I needed to come here and meet others in DE who have had or are going to have this surgery... so here I am... I'm a divorced mom of three small children 5½, 4, (girls) and 2½ (boy). My ex-husband refused the idea of this surgery while we were together even though the doctor said even then that it could greatly improve my quality of life and help with pain that I live in every day. I have fibromyalgia and psoriatic arthritis, and since starting the testing for this surgery we have found out that I have sleep apnea and an infection in my stomach caused by H. Pylori bacteria. I am almost done with prevpac, a 14 day treatment for h. pylori that is wearing me out. It is 2 different types of antibiotics, amoxicillin and biaxin and prevacid. During the course of my divorce, I lost a lot of friends and a lot of support from my family, no one could believe that divorcing an abusive adulterer was the smart thing for a person with physical limitations to do, but guess what, it was the smart thing and we're healthier for it! Now, to continue on my quest for better health, I am going to have this surgery and treat the sleep apnea to help reduce my pain levels so I can be a better mom for my children and someday, a good wife for the right man... assuming he comes along in my lifetime. I hope this was a good intro, none of it is being said in a woe is me mentality, just in a "this is who I am" frame of mind. I hope to get to know people and hopefully get to make a few friends while I'm here. Huggles to all... Rachel

Hi Rachel and welcome, not only to the boards but to a great group. We are kinda slow on the message board at times and at other times.. watch out! A lot of us are faithful to the support group meetings at PMRI as well and meet up there. I hope you can join us some times. Everyone is so encouraging . The next Saturday meeting at PMRI is this coming Saturday! Nutrition and gastric bypass: What to expect at 3, 6 and 12 months Saturday, July 16 10 - 11 a.m. There is also a Healthy Beginnings support group that will be meeting this coming Thursday at Elissa's home. The topic is Body Image. Let me know if you are interested in attending that one and I'll send you the directions by email. Anyhoo... All that said... a bit about me After 3 years of research I had RNY on March 29 - just over 3 months ago. I am a single mom as well, though my son is all grown up now (can we say old?). I have struggled with my weight all my life and it had finally gotten to the point of making me unhealthy. It was time for a change. I am doing fantastic now and fully believe this is the best decision I've made in a long time. Hang out! Get to know us. Ask questions. You'll learn a lot here and make some wonderful friends. Again... WELCOME! Gigee

Hi Gigee! Thanks for writing! I don't have my children this weekend, so the PMRI meeting sounds great... where is it located? I'd love to meet some people in real life! I don't know who Elissa is... when is the meeting time? If during the day I can probably go, but at night I have the babies and really can't afford a sitter I'm feeling like I'm getting close to my RNY date. I have done a lot of reading, a lot of studying, and although my weight was caused by medications rather than overeating, I now overeat to maintain my current body... not healthy I know. I look forward to gettin gto know all of you better! Rachel

PRMI is located on 52 at 52 and 100. The biggest writing on the sign says something like Christiana Care but under that you will see Preventative Medicine Rehabilitation Institute (PMRI). First time I looked for I didn't see the smaller writing and couldn't find it. And yes, I was born a blonde . It does cost $5.00 to attend. We all wear name tags so look for me! The Thursday meeting is an evening meeting. I look forward to getting to know you better as well! Gigee

Well, I was born blonde too... look for the person with the upside down name tag at the bottom of my shirt so I can remember my name LOL! I'll mostly likely be there... I'm sure I can scrounge up $5... I hope... Rachel

Hi Rachel, Welcome to the boards. We are have different but yet the same story to share. I had my surgery on June 14, 2005 and am doing great. I just finished the first month with pureed and I am moving onto the solid food phase. It went well and quicker than I thought. I have been overweight for as long as I can remember and just deceided it was time to "take charge" of my life and I am very happy that I did. Please continue to post and let us know how you are doing. There are lots of good people on this site who will help you through almost anything. Good Luck, Ellen

Thanks Ellen! Good to meet you, and everyone... Hoping to get established here soon so I can get through this and make a better life for myself and my kids! Rachel

Welcome Rachel. Good to see new faces. The Healthy Beginnings mtg on this Thursday night is going to be at my home from 7 to 9. If you are interested email me for details. The meetings are usually held at Concordia Lutheran Church on Silverside Rd. They are having some construction done this month. Everyone can bring a snack and a lawn chair. Good to see you. Keep posting. Make sure you let us know who you are at the meetings. Read some of our profiles you will see a lot of similarities in us. Kind of weird & crazy all wrapped up in 1. ((HUGS)) Elissa Here is the litany of Support Groups in Delaware with contacts to call for information. WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY LOCAL SUPPORT GROUPS ? PMRI (Preventive Medicine & Rehabilitation Institute) When: Varies Location: PMRI-Christiana Care Route 52 and Route 141 Wilmington, Delaware Contact: 302.661.3000 ? NDE-WLS (North Delaware-Weight Loss Surgery) When: First Monday of Every Month Time: 7:00 pm-8:00 pm Location: Peniel United Methodist Church, Newport, Delaware Contact: Barb Malatesta Phone: 302.836.4192 E-mail: [email protected] ? HEALTHY BEGINNINGS When: Second Thursday of Every Month Time: 7:00 pm-9:00 pm Location: Concordia Lutheran Church 3003 Silverside Road Wilmington, Delaware Contact: Nicki Zimmerman-Manero Phone: 610.322.8282 E-mail: [email protected] ? NEW BEGINNINGS When: Second Thursday of Every Month Time: 7:00 pm-9:00 pm Location: Church of Christ 1630 Joe Goldsborough Rd. Smyrna, Delaware 19977 302.653.4556 Contact: Ginger Barkley Phone: 302.653.5971 E-mail: [email protected] ? CHANGING LIVES When: Third Thursday of Every Month Time: 6:30 pm Location: VA Hospital, Elsmere, Delaware Contact: Jane Walker Phone: 443.907.2574 E-mail: [email protected] ? ST. FRANCIS BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP When: Varies Time: 6:00 pm-7: 30 pm Location: St. Francis Hospital, Wilmington, Delaware Contact: Maryellen Sparks Phone: 302.421.4121

Glad you posted, welcome. Glad you followed all your common sense and did this for yourself Dianne

HEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY RACHEL WELCOME TO OUR LITTLE SUPPORT PAGE.SEE I TOLD YOU EVERYONE WILL GREET YOU WITH OPEN ARMS.I JUST LOVE EVERYONE ON HERE.THEY ARE SO SPECIAL TO ME AND I'M SO GLAD YOUR GOING TO BE PART OF OUR FAMILY.HANG IN THERE AND BEFORE YOU KNOW IT IT WILL BE ALL OVER AND YOU WILL BE ON THE LOSING SIDE WITH US AND WE ALL ARE HERE TO GIVE SUPPORT.I LOOK FOWARD TO MEETING YOU.YOUR FRIEND BONNIE