Exited and scared

Hi everyone this is my first time on this board, so I don't know how it works exactly, but I will post anyway. I went this past Friday for my first visit with Dr. Wynn and got all the info about the surgery and who I need to contact for appointments, I am very excited about having this done, I am also very scared. When I tell people some are so excited for me and others are telling me not to get it done. I have about 150lbs to loose and have been to Weigh****chers and love it dearly, but it hasn't helped for a long time. I won't be able to have the surgery until next April though because of vacation time at work, so you will see me in here asking all kinds of questions and following everyone's progress. I just wanted to introduce myself and if anyone has any suggestions that has worked for them I am all ears. Thanks

Hello Deanna!!! Great to meet you, Dr Wynn just did my surgery on Sept 1, she's a sweetheart isn't she? The whole staff (and all the doctors) at CHRIAS are wonderful! You're in good hands! My surgery day experience is in my profile, as is my journey to weight loss and you are more than welcome to read it if you wish. A good idea, get involved in support groups now, if you want to meet a lot of people from this DE board, this Saturday, at 10 am (correct me if I'm wrong here ppl) there is a WLS support meeting at PMRI, $5 to attend if you're not part of the program (I'm not, did my surgery through St Francis) but worth it for seeing so many people who have gone through the same things. This week's topic is "All About Protein" a vital bit of info for those who have this done... protein is our mainstay post op! Hope to see you there, you can email me directly or through here, and welcome!!! HUGS Rachel

Hey Deanna, It's Dineen (Shelva's daughter from church, aka Chelsea's Mom). Aunt Sherron told me she thought you were looking into this surgery. Welcome to the board. You really should come to the meeting Saturday. The group is terriffic and will answer any questions you might have. I had my RNY 2 months ago and am down 40 pounds and back into the clothes I was wearing when I met my husband. There's also a big WLS picnic at banning park on the 24th that you should consider attending. Read all you can before your surgery so you'll know what to expect. The best patient is an informed one. Dr. Irgau was my surgeon but Dr. Wynn visited me in the hospital and I thought she was wonderful (tiny little thing isn't she!). Prepare yourself, this will be a rollercoaster ride of your life. Also, get copies of all of your tests & records and follow up with every doctor. Some offices are a little lax in getting the info back to Misty for insurance approval. I didn't get my final approval until the day before my surgery. I was a mess! So save yourself the extra aggravation. Take care of any existing medical conditions now. Go get a physical with your PCP. Things go better for you when you're as healthy as possible before your surgery. Remember, this is not a cure, it's only a tool to use. You have to be prepared to make a complete lifestyle change. This has not been easy for me. I still fight the head games my mind plays with me. I still get angry sometimes that I can't eat the way I want. I get frustrated that I have to plan every meal and I can't just grab whatever is handy. But I chose to do this and I'm going to stick with it! Besides, I'm startin to look GOOOD baby! Dee

Welcome to the board, Deanna. Please post all questions/concerns and read everything you can. Check out all the profiles, here and the main message board. Good luck on your journey. Dianne

Deanna, I am kind of new to the boards too. I have learned so much by just reading postings. I started going to a support group about 6 months before I had surgery. I read and checked into everything I saw so I did not go into surgey blind. I knew exacted what to exspect and knew I had to change my lifestyle. I was ready for this. I was 263lbs at 12 years old. I am happy to report that since surgery I weigh less then I did then. I started at 345 and now am done to 248 5 months out. I feel so healthy. I still have a long way to go but know in my heart next summer I will be able to ride a bike with my grandchildren and that is my big goal. If you have struggled with your weight for a long time, this will not be a journey you will regret. I also have to admit the surgery is not for everyone. Don't let people tell you it is an easy way out. Far from that as all us post ops know. You have to still work daily to meet your goals. I think we all had people telling us not to get the surgery but remember you are doing this for yourself and no one else. This is your life and you deside how you want to live it. I had all the same feelings but would have the surgery over again. No regrets here. Hope to see you on the losing side. You have taken step one. Congradulations on that. See you lighter. Joanne

Thank you to everyone *****sponded so quickly. Unfortunately I work on Saturdays and won't be able to make it to the meeting. I wor****il 5pm, so the picnic is most likely out also, . I have started to read some of the journeys that everyone has taken and it is nice to know that I am not alone it this journey and that I will have lots of support along the way. Thanks again everyone.