Introducing myself...

I am eally happy that I found this board!  It's not only nice to know that others have been/are going through something similar but that many of us are in the same area.   I have been overweight/obese since hitting puberty and have usually remained confident and outgoing.  I have been married to a great guy for 12 years and we have 3 young children.  I work 24 hours a week as a nurse and the rest of the time I am a wife, mom, etc.  I have tried many (many, many) diets over the years - some have worked and most have not.  I was most successful when I did the Atkins diet - I lost about 30 pounds and it all returned (plus some).  I can't blame my pregnancies because I never really gained weight when I was pregnant and have been between 260 and 280 for the past 8 years or so and have usually ended my pregnancies at the same size that I started. I finally realized that WLS was my best option after realzing that everything that I have done in the past is not working.  I am ready to make a life-long committment to making this work.  I attended the Bariatric seminar at Hopkins-Bayview in July (along with my husband) and we both have appointments with Dr. Steele on August 27.  My husband is also obese and he has agreed to meet with the surgeon but is not so sure if this is the right move for him at this time. We have United Health Care (Baltimore City) as our insurance carrier and hope that everything will go smoothly! It was nice "meeting"everyone!  Have a great weekend! Kendra

Hi Kendra, welcome to the board. You will like it here. Everyone is very helpful and supportive. I too am going to have surgery at Johns Hopkins Bayview. My surgeon is Dr. Schweitzer. Which WLS are you and your husband thinking about? Jo

Hi Kendra - Welcome to you and your hubby!  The MD board is a wonderful place!!  I can honestly say that we totally support each other, both on and off the boards.  In fact, today, we had our 1st Annual Loser's Picnic, and I think it's safe to say that everyone had a wonderful time!!! Please feel free to post any time with your questions and concerns.  We have LOTS to offer!!! Take care, Teresa (Tia)

Hi Kendra ! Welcome and best wishes as your WLS journey continues. Hugs, Mo

Welcome to the forum!!  I think you will find this site both educational and inspirational.  I just had my surgery 4 days ago and have been coming to the board for 4-5 weeks off and on.  The people here are incredible and willing to help in any way they can.  I can't wait to meet some of them in the gatherings they organize.  If I'm not mistakem, I missed one in southern MD today.  Since I'm basically just out of my surgery, though, I didn't think I should stress myself that much.   Welcome again.  We hope to see you and your hubby around in the future.

Hi Kendra!! Welcome. You have manged to find a wonderful support group right here with the Maryland board.  Good luck with your consult. We have a few couples that have had surgery together. It is great to see how well they are both doing with their wl journey.  I also have United Health Care through Baltimore City. I had no problems with them at all. Aime

Hi Kendra, Welcome to the board and good luck on your journey. Wanda

Hi. I just joined today but I have been cruising this site for advice for over a year now.  As I was reading your post, it was as if I had written it!!! I too have been overweight since puberty, have married for the last 12 years and have gained more my weight after my kid's birth, moreover I too lost most wight in 2003-2004 with Atkins right before getting pregnant with my daughter. Good luck and welcome to both of us.