Another Newbie
Hello. I am new and have been reading the boards for a few hours and will probably continue reading them for a few days and weeks and of course months. I am a 33 yo mother of 7.
Back in December I hit my highest weight yet. Since it was the holidays I kind of got depressed but blew it off since I figured starting any kind of diet over the holidays would just be torture. January started and I started at my highest weight at 326, again on a WL diet of Atk*ns. It had worked for me before in the past I lost nearly 70lbs at one point but of course gained it all back and then some. Of course much more than I would ever really want to have gained back.
Back in August I had a miscarriage which kind of left me more devestated than I have admitted. I think I believed some would think I was selfish for grieving the loss since I already have 7 beautiful healthy children, so I down played the miscarriage a lot. The depression is what really sent me on an emotional eating binge over the rest of the year (2008).
Since January 1st though I have lost a little over 10lbs, but not without struggle. I do very well all week and then the weekends turn more into WEAKends and I gain several pounds back.
At several points in my life I told myself that I would NEVER let myself go over 300lbs. Well, now I am over 300 pounds and I have to admit to myself that I truly can not do this on my own and that I HAVE to do something more permenant, if I want to be able to be that healthy vibrant and active mother my 7 children deserve and NEED!
I have been seriously considering WLS for over a year and DH's insurance covers the surgery and I want to get it done now before he possibly loses his job and benefits through a lay off (although it is just us being nervous and not something we anticipate).
Of course the risks weigh heavily on my mind and just geting started seems daunting to me at times. Tonight though I believe I made the final decision that I NEED to do this for myself as well as for my family.
Another worry of mine is another pregnancy. We do want to have more child(ren). We want at least 1-3 more children. And I'd rather it be sooner than later. However my current health is not one that would support a pregnancy to term, let alone support me getting pregnant! I believe a lot of it is the weight and the other part is my thyroid. I also read that they don't suggest getting pregnant for at least 18months after a surgery, but I wanted to know if other HAD gotten pregnant before that time? It's not something I want to completely plan, in the way of a pregnancy while losing major weight but I want to know how things turned out and what risks you faced as well as the baby.
Another worry, which I have discussed with my husband for some time now, is how our relationship could possibly change with my weight loss. I know DH likes bigger women so I worry that I may lose too much weight and he wouldn't find me as sexually attractive. Unfortunately my Dh hasn't reassured me in the way I'd hope. He uses words like "maybe", "possibly", or "I don't know". I do believe he loves me but I worry about little things like that sometimes. I mean even when I lost 70 lbs the last time his attitude towards me didn't change, which I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing.
LOL
From my understanding I need to go through my insurance provider to find out what my first true steps are in getting approved and having the WLS done. We have BCBS - PPO through teamsters. We already know it is covered and I just need to know what to do next.
I am excited and scared at the same time.
Back in December I hit my highest weight yet. Since it was the holidays I kind of got depressed but blew it off since I figured starting any kind of diet over the holidays would just be torture. January started and I started at my highest weight at 326, again on a WL diet of Atk*ns. It had worked for me before in the past I lost nearly 70lbs at one point but of course gained it all back and then some. Of course much more than I would ever really want to have gained back.
Back in August I had a miscarriage which kind of left me more devestated than I have admitted. I think I believed some would think I was selfish for grieving the loss since I already have 7 beautiful healthy children, so I down played the miscarriage a lot. The depression is what really sent me on an emotional eating binge over the rest of the year (2008).
Since January 1st though I have lost a little over 10lbs, but not without struggle. I do very well all week and then the weekends turn more into WEAKends and I gain several pounds back.
At several points in my life I told myself that I would NEVER let myself go over 300lbs. Well, now I am over 300 pounds and I have to admit to myself that I truly can not do this on my own and that I HAVE to do something more permenant, if I want to be able to be that healthy vibrant and active mother my 7 children deserve and NEED!
I have been seriously considering WLS for over a year and DH's insurance covers the surgery and I want to get it done now before he possibly loses his job and benefits through a lay off (although it is just us being nervous and not something we anticipate).
Of course the risks weigh heavily on my mind and just geting started seems daunting to me at times. Tonight though I believe I made the final decision that I NEED to do this for myself as well as for my family.
Another worry of mine is another pregnancy. We do want to have more child(ren). We want at least 1-3 more children. And I'd rather it be sooner than later. However my current health is not one that would support a pregnancy to term, let alone support me getting pregnant! I believe a lot of it is the weight and the other part is my thyroid. I also read that they don't suggest getting pregnant for at least 18months after a surgery, but I wanted to know if other HAD gotten pregnant before that time? It's not something I want to completely plan, in the way of a pregnancy while losing major weight but I want to know how things turned out and what risks you faced as well as the baby.
Another worry, which I have discussed with my husband for some time now, is how our relationship could possibly change with my weight loss. I know DH likes bigger women so I worry that I may lose too much weight and he wouldn't find me as sexually attractive. Unfortunately my Dh hasn't reassured me in the way I'd hope. He uses words like "maybe", "possibly", or "I don't know". I do believe he loves me but I worry about little things like that sometimes. I mean even when I lost 70 lbs the last time his attitude towards me didn't change, which I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing.
LOLFrom my understanding I need to go through my insurance provider to find out what my first true steps are in getting approved and having the WLS done. We have BCBS - PPO through teamsters. We already know it is covered and I just need to know what to do next.
I am excited and scared at the same time.
I am short of time, but I just wanted to say HI and Welcome! Hopefully you will find lots of support and encouragement on this site, as many of us have. We've all been where you are, maybe not in your exact situations, but in some way, shape or form, most have experienced the same feelings, thoughts, and struggles.
Glad you decided to join us! Tina
Glad you decided to join us! Tina
It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. ~e.e. cummings |
Welcome Sephia. It sounds like you have lots of decisions to make. The one thing I know for sure is that without WLS I would never have lost weight and kept it off, so I believe you are moving in the right direction.
I try not to get into surgery wars (you will see some of this on the boards--"my surgery is better than yours") but I do know the lap band is supposed to be good for women who want to get pregnant again. As for grieving about your miscarriage, every life is precious, whether this was pregnancy one or pregnancy eight, so allow yourself to grieve and heal.
Its great to have you here on the Michigan board with us. Welcome again!
I try not to get into surgery wars (you will see some of this on the boards--"my surgery is better than yours") but I do know the lap band is supposed to be good for women who want to get pregnant again. As for grieving about your miscarriage, every life is precious, whether this was pregnancy one or pregnancy eight, so allow yourself to grieve and heal.
Its great to have you here on the Michigan board with us. Welcome again!
Judy
Welcome!!!
It sounds like you have a lot of decisions to make.
I think it would good if you find a weight loss center or doctor that specializes in this area; that way you can start to get the ball rolling. Also, talk with your doctor to see which surgery is best for you since you want more children.
It sounds like you have a lot of decisions to make.
I think it would good if you find a weight loss center or doctor that specializes in this area; that way you can start to get the ball rolling. Also, talk with your doctor to see which surgery is best for you since you want more children.
When nothing else could help................LOVE lifted me!!!!
Today I started the ball rolling on everything.
I contacted the insurance and got the specifics on what I needed to qualify/get pre approved.
The sucky part is they require a 12mo diet history. That is a little disheartening since it possibly means I can not get the RNY done for at least 12 months. Perhaps within that time I'll be able to have the last baby. But again it's the least of my concerns at this point. Getting healthy is more of a concern.
I also contacted a PCP through the recommendations of the bariatric center, and who is also covered by my insurance. My first "real" step and first appointment is set for Thursday Feb. 5th at 10:3am.
I guess from there I will see where this all goes.
I contacted the insurance and got the specifics on what I needed to qualify/get pre approved.
The sucky part is they require a 12mo diet history. That is a little disheartening since it possibly means I can not get the RNY done for at least 12 months. Perhaps within that time I'll be able to have the last baby. But again it's the least of my concerns at this point. Getting healthy is more of a concern.
I also contacted a PCP through the recommendations of the bariatric center, and who is also covered by my insurance. My first "real" step and first appointment is set for Thursday Feb. 5th at 10:3am.
I guess from there I will see where this all goes.
Good luck on your decision!! only you know what will work best for you. Please review all of the surgical options - including the VSG, RnY, Lap Band and the DS. I have heard of successful pregnancies following all 4 of the surgeries.
And since you have BCBSM - the VSG may be covered (for some insurance it is still considered investigational as a stand alone procedure). But there is a large amount of research out there supporting that it works well as a stand alone.
Also you might want to check out the pregnancy board and see what kind of issues/concerns those women have
And since you have BCBSM - the VSG may be covered (for some insurance it is still considered investigational as a stand alone procedure). But there is a large amount of research out there supporting that it works well as a stand alone.
Also you might want to check out the pregnancy board and see what kind of issues/concerns those women have
Kelly
347/228/200
I agree with others. When you start looking, definitely let your potential surgeons know that you want to have more children. I don't think it's a problem with ANY of the types of WLS, these days. I do know that most surgeons will recommend a waiting period (usually a year to 18 months) after surgery before getting pregnant.
I, personally, am 5 1/2 months pregnant at the moment. I've had no issues with this pregnancy. I was just over 3 years post-op when I got pregnant. I did get pregnant at 2 years post-op, as well, but that pregnancy ended up being ectopic.
Definitely check out the pregnancy board, if you are needing more info!
I, personally, am 5 1/2 months pregnant at the moment. I've had no issues with this pregnancy. I was just over 3 years post-op when I got pregnant. I did get pregnant at 2 years post-op, as well, but that pregnancy ended up being ectopic.
Definitely check out the pregnancy board, if you are needing more info!
It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. ~e.e. cummings |
Hello,I just wanted to add my hubby also likes bigger women.It took me a while to make up my mind because of this.Then I decided I needed to do this to see my children graduate and to meet my future grandchildren.I have lost 93 pounds now and I can tell you he is liking it more than I am.He wasnt very supportive at first either.He wouldnt really discuss it with me like I needed him to.Then one day all the sudden he opened up to my girlfriend and admitted he was afraid I would lose weight and leave him.I then told him he needed a fat girl because of his low self esteem.But I also told myself if we were meant to be then we would be.This is a decision only the person going through it can make.Good luck and everything will work out the way it was meant to.
Just want to say hi and welcome to the board. It sounds like you're already doing the right things and doing the soul searching/research needed to decide about WLS.
For me I don't think there's any way I could've lost the weight without surgery. That said, I almost can't remember what my life was like before. I can't imagine your husband won't love you more when you have more energy, are healthier, and just love and enjoy life more!!!
But the journey won't be easy and the wanting more kids will have to figure into it. I'm obviously not an expert but there are several women who have recently posted about being pregnant. I know there's a timeline the doctors want for pregnancy after WLS.
My feeling is get as healthy as you can so you can be there for as long as possible for your child!
--Sax
For me I don't think there's any way I could've lost the weight without surgery. That said, I almost can't remember what my life was like before. I can't imagine your husband won't love you more when you have more energy, are healthier, and just love and enjoy life more!!!
But the journey won't be easy and the wanting more kids will have to figure into it. I'm obviously not an expert but there are several women who have recently posted about being pregnant. I know there's a timeline the doctors want for pregnancy after WLS.
My feeling is get as healthy as you can so you can be there for as long as possible for your child!
--Sax
The surgery was the best thing I ever did for myself. See my profile. My live has changed in more ways that I can ever tell anyone, all were for the better. I know what it was like to vow never to go over 200 lbs, never over 300, and eve never over 400, but it wasn't until I was saying never over 500 that i found my way to my journey. I love my life today. I will help anyone find their way to their journey in any way I can. Feel free to ask me any questions, I try to answer all I can. I have cone from 459, pre-surgery to 264 today. I have gone from a size 66 pants and a 6X shirt to a 40 pants and a large shirt. I use to weigh my self at work on an industrial shipping scale, I weigh myself at home on my own scale. I do things I haven't done in 20 years because I couldn't and now I can.
Nick
Nick
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