New here and still finding my way around

Hi people - My name is Katie - I'm 39 years old - I live on the far north side of Chicago - I am in a committed relationship - I work in education and I have a BSW and am pursuing an MSW. I have been fat all of my life and I am just beginning to look into WLS. I first researched it about 4-5 years ago, but I was turned off by the fact that so many people were traveling abroad to have the surgery due to cost. So, here I am again. I've email a couple of folks I found here who live in my general area, but I haven't heard back from anyone. My SO doesn't want me to even consider WLS because of the risks involved - and while his support and assistance are important to me, I want to move forward and find out as much as possible. I've steadily gained ove 100# in the last 20 or so years. I've tried everything to loose the weight -- I know those of you reading this can relate. Now that I am pushing 40, the idea that I could die as a result of issues related to obesity is on my mind all of the time. I recently quit smoking and did so for many reasons - one of them is I know the risks of surgery and compounded by smoking. Ah well - I rambled on here - sorry for that. I hope to get to know some of you in the Chicago area for support and friendship. Katie

Hi Katie WELCOME!!! I and many others here know what you are going threw!! I started my reaserch about 3years ago and finally had my Lap,RNY Bypass on March/22 (22 is my lucky #) As of today I am down 57lbs and I feel like I did 10years ago! I only wish i could look that young again LOL . I am 41 years old and because of my obesity I stoped living for a very long time. Now I go to the gym,shopping to see relatives that i would only talk to on the phone before! You have to do whats right for you. If you feel deep in your GUT,YOUR SOUL that this is the right thing for you Then do it!! I had no problems, I can eat anything even sugar (I have tested it) When I eat something like carbs or a bite of something sweet I never Never consider myself cheating!! I consider it testing myself. And you know the longer you go with out having sugar,carbs and diet soda the easer it gets!! Katie I feel so empowerd by having WLS , I am in control!! The only bad thing right now is THE HAIR LOSS!!! LOL My hair is falling out all over the place! You know its bad when your hairy dog comes up to you and says Hay Lady can you please pick up you own fur balls!!!! LOL No really it's only falling out more when i wa**** than any thing, OK OK I WILL SHUT UP NOW AS YOU CAN SEE I CAN GO ON AND ON. Kati Hun if you have any questions please email me ok. You take care and what ever you do listen to you and your gut feeling. CHER

Hello Katie I also know what you are going through. I am early in my journey, but did months of research before I decided to pursue it. There is TONS of information on this site and there are plenty of people willing to answer your questions. Be sure to keep us up to date on your progress! Patty

"Hi" from the other "Katie S."!!!! Great to see you here, and I wish you all the best. Congrats on quitting smoking! That's a skeleton in my closet as well. I was born in Naperville, but haven't lived in the Chicago area for 25+ years. It sure has changed! Naperville wasn't much of ANYTHING back then, and look at it now. I couldn't even afford to live there now I think! I'll be thinking of you on your journey! Katie

Thanks Katie and Patty and CHER~ As you can see, it took be a loooong time to reply! I can only offer one excuse - a 16 week statistics class crammed into 5 weeks I am still pursuing the wls option -- anyone know about Dr. Frantzides? Katie