New to this forum, and new to the process...

now to wait out the next 6 months on the Dr. supervised diet that Aetna requires...

My name is Melissa, I prefer to be called Lissa or Mewitt (but only but very good friends and family). I am a Social Worker and I really love what I do. I live in Augusta with my husband, 2 doggies and 2 kitties! I hope to have kids in the near future if god can grant me the opportunity. I am having weight loss surgery so that I can get pregnant in a few years and be a healthy mom.  I have the greatest friends anyone could ask for- they know who they are. My husband and I have been together since August of 2002 and we were married in August in 2007. I am lucky to have found my soul-mate so young in life. My family is very important to me- I have a small group of friends and I like it that way becuase they are more like family. I have just found my faith again, as a Christian and I am learning everyday. I hope to get lots of education and support.

I live in Augusta with Michael, Koda,Boston, Beans and Stones
I love Jamaica and Jamican Music
I love the sunshine
I love my ford explorer
I love hanging out with all my friends
I love my sister Jamie and my bro Ryan
I love Ms. Aimee Brooks with my whole heart
I love driving in the nice weather
I love going to the beach in different countries
I love my house
I love candles
I love traveling
I love getting flowers for no reason
I love swimming
I love getting my hair done
I love tanning
I love my life

Please message me or ask to be friends, I am looking to really connect with this group of local people going through the same things as me.

so tell us a little about what your doing for a diet?  are you counting calories, or doing WW, or just doing portion control.  Lots of different Dr's and diets to be had here. lol  Nice having you.

I am doing WW points. I am currently at 297 lbs so I am allowed 36 points. I have cut soda out of my diet as requested by a nurse at the bariatric center here in Augusta but still allowing myself 1 coffee per day. Today is my 2nd day dieting? I have tried many times before and failed so I really hope I can make it through the 6 months before I am approved by insurance, it seems so scary. I am going to be using both my PCP offices dietitian and the dietician of the center as that’s what they require- so I should be in good hands, its my mouth I am worried about, lol. Hope to keep in touch, thanks for the quick response

Welcome to the Maine Forum, Lissa!!  You will find this group very supportive!! Are you looking into the RNY or the LapBand?

I am having the RNY surgery, I  hope to have surgery in April or May...all depending on the insurance company though!

Welcome!     Congrats on starting on your journey!  It's an amazing ride!  Let us know if there's anything we can do to help!  Ruth

Welcome, best wish for your journey. Remember this is a trip of progress, not perfection.

Hi and welcome... Like everyone said we love to hear about your journey and we are here to help when you struggle and to praise you when you have an accomplishment!   Good Luck! And Keep us posted!

Hi Lissa,
 I loved your post--you write very well! I wanted to wish you good luck on your journey. Wish we lived closer because I'd join your diet plan with ya--both for support and also because I sure could use to lose lol!
 I have a friend Anne (leprechaun) who had weight loss surgery (Roux en Y) about 14 months ago now and has done very well. I initially wasn't too keen on it because of the risks involved. Somehow, the risks associated with obesity were at least familiar and therefore less scary then the risks associated with surgery. But I began to re-think things and just when I decided I was ready to begin the process, I learned that Dr. Loggins (the surgeon here in Lewiston) is having some issues with Medicare and so I've not been able to move forward. Meanwhile, my health issues are getting worse. It's frustrating to say the least!
 I went to UMA and earned my degrees in the social work field as well. I long to be able to USE the degrees and return to the workforce but the timing isn't right just now. I have an A.A. in Social Services and a B.S. in Mental Health and Human Services--along with M.H.R.T. I, II and III certifications and a S.A.R.T certification as well.  I worked at Tri County Mental Health before I even got my degrees (I was working full time in retail at the time and stayed at that for 15 yrs) but now the agency won't hire anyone without a driver's license and I don't have mine yet. I always traveled by bus and cab or else walked where I needed to go--but also, just didn't have the extra to buy a car and do the upkeep so I settled on public transportation. I'm regretting that now.
 Anyway, it's nice to "chat" with ya! Take care, Lori

Lori, I just left my job at TCMH 3 years ago, after working for them for 8 years, I quit when I took in one of the clients I was Case Manager to.  he has been with me since.  GO FOR YOUR licence, even if you don't get a car, it is step #1..  I was a friend to a woman who never had hers, her DH controled her sooooo bad, told her where she could go, and where he would bring her, she got her licence, and bought her own car, and His car died and he didn't work, so haha, guess what happend after that???