I'm new!

Hello everyone! This is my first time posting although I've been lurking for a few months . So I've decided to formally introduce myself so I can meet people going through the same things I'm going through and to make friends with similar interests. So here goes: My name is Patricia, I live in Tampa and weight 330 pounds. I decided to make the decision to change my life when I had to tell my boyfriend not to make me laugh anymore because I would pee myself... pretty embarrassing, huh? Well I thought so, and also going up the stairs and running out of breath was no fun. My mom had gastric bypass about 3 years ago and after seeing her go through it I swore I would never do it. I tried every diet under the sun (as most of us have) and none of it worked. Currently I have gone to Dr. Rehnke's support group but he wasn't there so I haven't met him yet. How is he?? My surgery is covered by my insurance so I am gathering all my information so I can go through with this. I can't wait to change my life and start the new me! I read some of the stories here and see the pictures and they are sooooo inspirational I feel as if I know some of you already!

Welcome Aboard! : ) Nice to meet you : ) Hugs Margo Marie

Hi, Patricia Welcome! Just to inform you I had surgery on 2/16/07 and its the day I've waited for because I know this is for a healthier me. So when you doubt keep in mind that this is for a healthier you and it will motivate you as it did for me. Take care and may your journey be a splendid one. Yanselli

Welcome Patricia, You'll enjoy Dr.R's warm and caring personality. If he gives you otherwise let me know and I'll have Santa straighten him out. So now your planning your WLS Journey, let us know if you need any suggestions along the way. Which Surgery are you planning on and what Insurance are you using? Will you need to be doing any type of Pre-op Supervised Dieting before-hand? Good Luck, Mike

Hahaha thank you for looking out for me! I'm planning on RNY and I have United Healthcare choice plus. I've already checked with them and I don't have to do any type of diet and the surgery IS covered, thank God!!! I cried of happiness when I found out I wouldn't have to pay And I'll let you know cause I'm sure I'll have many many questions popping up Also I read on one of your posts about an OH conference in Central Florida... what is that about and how do I sign up?? Thanks! -Patricia

Hi Patricia and welcome....one visit and you are a regular! I had my WLS 3 yrs and 2 months ago at age 53 and I'm probably healthier now that I have been since my pre-adolescant days when the weight started affecting every part of me. I don't know what your mom experienced but I am hoping that she is a healthier person with her weight loss. Any journey has it's bumps. Best wishes and my prayers as you continue this process..... luvitsunnyv

My mom overdosed herself on Morphine because they had it set up so that she pressed a button and she got a dose and she'd be pressing it all day to stop the pain... so I almost lost her. After that, her drainage tube got infected and it was HORRIBLE. But let me tell you, today she is very healthy and looks beautiful! And I know what the odds are if I stay on this weight so I have decided to change my life. So I'm following her example Thanks for the best wishes!!

Thank you Margo and Yanselli for the warm welcome!

Hi and welcome I had surgery last May, with Dr Gonzolvo.I have lost 108lbs so far..LOL (from a 26 to a 14/16).. he is great and I would recommend meeting with their office as they do the surgery with out having to open you up... (less scars and less healing time with less chances for infection).