Here we go...

Hey everyone, I have my intro seminar on May 31st but I have already made my decision into taking this risk for a better, healthy, fulfilling life. It seems as though everyday of my life I have either been hounded, or hounded myself about my weight. Truly there isn't one day that has gone by where I don't have a moment where I think: Who is the biggest person in the room? me They must have took a whole thailand village to sew his clothes and so on. But it's time for me to take a stand and prove to myself there is more than just a large object in the room. People have always told me that my personality makes up for me being overweight. now its time to make it match. I have been considering this procedure for about 5 years but have had the largest fear of being put under on a surgery table. However last fall I had my tonsils removed at the ripe ol' age of 24. The doctor told me that it would be the worst pain in my life and the closest thing to feel what child-birth would feel like. I must agree, the 2 weeks after surgery was incrediable with pain and discomfort. One might ask why talk about a tonsilectomy on a w.l.s. website, message board. First of all. I had my fear of being put under attained. It wasn't that bad. Took a valium in the pre-op room, got a lil loopy and sang I melt by Rascal Flatts (I'm not even that large of a country fan and couldn't tell you one persons name in that group) loudly to the the nurses and doctors, went to sleep and woke up. That got me thinking, this isn't scary, just weird and ery....but able to do it. Secondly, The pain got better each day and soon forgot what the day before was like and focused on the next day b/c it would be better. So all in all, I'm not so scared of surgery anymore and the risks of complications with a tonsilectomy are pretty substantial themselves as far as bleeding to death. Anyways back to the focus, w.l.s., After much thought I have decided to go through St. Joe East w/Dr. Josh hopefully, haven't meet him yet but i hope it's him. Anyways i'm from Richmond, Ky and am 5'11 1/2, 380 ish...go**** feels easier to say height and weight here without being ashamed because I'm embarking on a mission that will allow me a life that will let me shed the pounds but retain who I am. Back to me... i am 24 years old and will turn 25 only july 6. i currently work for the Cabinet for health and family services for the good ol' STATE OF KY. This is basically the food stamp, medicaid and welfare office. I truly enjoy working with people to enrich their lives but now it's time for me to help myself. This place seems like a place where a helping hand isn't that far away with support, love and everything... anyways this is a large post, but it's me Ross

I completely understand what you are going through. It's such a hard decision and it was the scariest thing I ever decided to do but I'm now two weeks out and I wouldn't change it for the world. Everyone is different but besides a minor infection at my drain site, everything has been great. I've made it through the clear liquid diet, the full liquid diet and I've advanced to pureed. Yay!!! You wouldn't believe how good refried beans taste. I've lost about 21 lbs. so far and I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER. My surgeon is Dr. Randall Bolar with Samaritan Hospital but my mother in law went with the doctors at Saint Joe and she loved them. I think Dr. Nieghbert was her doctor. She's lost in just one year 120 lbs, which is just amazing to me. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me. It's going to be a long road but it is soooo worth it in the end. Jaimie

Ross...hello and welcome to the boards! Congratulations on making your decision to have this surgery, it truly is a life changing experience. After years of having the same thoughts run through my mind as you mentioned (I'm the biggest person here, etc.) I now get told almost daily how good I look, wow! you've changed, and so on. Needless to say I no longer have those thoughts! The fear of being put to sleep is something that I hear a lot when talking about this surgery to others...but you seemed to have conquered that, and you realy have a positive attitude about it which is good! I wish you all the luck in the world as you go through the steps to being a new you...good luck, and God bless!! Sheila Justice

Good for you Ross. Wishing you much success on your WLS journey. We've all been right where you are, and I think we were all afraid. Having confidence in your surgeon is the key. I had a wonderful caring surgeon, and he changed my life. God Bless... Jenni 300/198/150 -102 lbs. ONLY 48 lbs. to Goal!

Hey Ross...It's good to hear you lay everything out in the open...THAT'S WHAT WE DO BEST HERE. I too am from Richmond Ky ..well I was born there, lived most of my life in Winchester tho..and 22 years ago, transfered to Louisville..BIG ADJUSTMENT I have always been overweight..and as I grew older My body started to talk to me..It wasn't a good talk either..It started hurting to get out of bed, walk, drive, sleep, sit, stand or anything else I would try to do. Pretty much so, that I gave up trying to do anything. I quit smoking because I too feared being put under and never coming out of it..only because I smoked and was Obese..Lovely word..NO I THINK MORBIDLY OBESE is my favorite..if I wasn't disgusted by myself and what I had become..they had to find a name for it, that made you want to gag just saying it. Anyway, that's when I found this web site...and also the Louisville Bariatric web site..and decided to do something for myself too. I unlike you am not a youngster..I'm 47 years old..that Dr Rodriguez told me I would unlikely see 62. That's a slap back to reality. Well after much fighting with the insurance (another word that makes me gag)..and getting all the support of my friends family co-workers and doctors..my adventure began August 26 2004. That was the re-birth of me. I can not begin to tell you how much not only my appearance has changed but there is no pain anymore. The surgery was a breeze, based on the type of pain I'd been in for the past 10 years..it was a cake-walk. Just be sure you do everything the Doctors and Nurses tell you. They speak heap-truth. As of today I'm down about 120 lbs..that's from 330lb!!! The only aches and pains I have are from doing to much. I don't even think of food anymore..I have so many other interests..and every day is a true blessing. I wish you all the best and please keep me informed of your journey. We're all here to support you and each other. renee rapier