looking for pen pals

Hello everyone and happy new year. I moved to Arkansas about 2 years ago after living in iowa for 5 years. I am interested in having pen-pals from Iowa. I looking for another woman younger than 40 who has dealt with challenges and problems of being obese and is 150+ pounds overweight like me. We can offer each other encouragement and support with our weight loss goal. I went in for my annual check up 2 weeks ago. I had gained 23 pounds since a year ago but I was in otherwise good health. I told my doctor that I was interested in WLS but he wouldn't give me a referral as long as I'm healthy. He instead gave me a diet and exercise plan and suggested that I join a weight loss group. I am 27 years old, 5'2" tall and weigh 336 pounds. I've gained 91 pounds since graduating from highschool in 1996 which is mainly because I love food and I am somewhat of a couch potato. I've tried numerous diets only to later gain back everything that I lossed and then some but I plan to make lifestyle changes in this new year. I never did care for weigh****chers since most members need to only lose 20-30 pounds. I want to lose 150-200 pounds. I often feel like some sort of freak when I go to work or church since I am at least 100 pounds heavier than my peers. .

I fit almost all of your criteria! I too gained my major amounts of weight after graduating in 1996! In highschool I was always 200ish....but in the last 8 years or whatever had gotten up to 300lbs I am 26 and also 5'2! I would seriously consider switching doctors! We have to be proactive in our health care........why wait until you are in poor health to get the surgery, if it is what you want? How is your cholesterol and blood pressure and sugars? I know because of being 5'2 also you have to be dealing with fatigue and back issues! I too also felt WAY out of place at weigh****chers.......but a lot of folks do lose weight with those programs, the trick is keeping it off!! I already had the surgery last year to be exact. With some dieting I was 293 when I had surgery today I am 162.......But please feel free to write anytime, as I was in your shoes very recently Take Care Jesi

Hi Mindy, Well I'm older than you.. old enough to be your mom but that's ok. I agree with Jesi, find another dr. And do it soon. Do you have co-morbids? Sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure etc? Come back to the board any time we are here for support. Carolyn

Hi Mindy, I am 35 and a mother of one son. I have already had WLS (open RNY); but, due to my severe insulin resistance, I will always need to watch every bite that goes into my mouth. I am 5'6" and I was 294.5# the morning of surgery...my highest weight was 340#. I was obese ever since I can remember; and, MO for at least the last 15 years. WW blows, most of them that go there are sticks compared to us anyway. I was a couch potato, too; but, with weight loss and the ability to do more, you WILL become more active. I still hate to exercise; but, I do walk at least 2-4 miles per day. Do not feel like you are alone, OK? My e-mail address is [email protected] if you would like to e-mail me sometime. Sherry Open RNY 02/04/04 (Proximal-75 cm) 294.5/154/150 (personal goal is 140# ) -140.5#

Hi Mindy. I am 27 years old, 150 pounds overweight exactly, and I moved to Cedar Rapids from California about four years ago. I went to my doctor for a referral and she would not give me one. I am 5'2 and weighed 246 pounds when I asked for the referral. After I found that I had gained 20+ pounds in the matter of a few months, I decided to make my own referral. I called around and went through some seminars on the operation and worked within the hospital system as opposed to my physician. I am an open rny post op for 6 days now. I have been overweight since puberty. I went through a few weigh****chers type of programs as well but was always embarrassed to discuss my body publicly. I would love to have a penpal if you're interested in writing and having a support system. Best wishes to you!