Hi! I am new here

I am 44 years old and hoping to have surgery sometime this year. Waiting on a couple of things but keeping my hopes up. I am not getting as much support as i would like from family and so I am ending up feeling alone and scared. Hoping that becoming a part of the community here will help with that. I am at my highest weight right now, 245. I also have had diabetes for almost 12 years. I don't have any heart problems, but my father, grandfather, 3 uncles and an aunt (all father's side) died from heart problems my dad died at 45...so that is also weighing heavily on my mind. My main reason for wanting the surgery though is because the diabetes is running wild, and I have a wonderful husband, Lester, and 2 beautiful girls, Mary (8), and Becca (3) that I want to live to see grown up. Anyway...this is my hello to the board and my first post on this website! Hugs Barb

Hi Barb and welcome to the board! I am new too! lol. But I just read your post and thought I would welcome you. I also have diabetes. Mine isn't doing too bad if I watch what I eat. My biggest problem is rheumatoid arthritis, just diagnosed last year. I knew something was wrong because I hurt so bad in my joints and I was fairly sure it just wasn't from being fat. I am hoping to have surgery soon too. I just started the whole process though. I am keeping it secret from the members of the family that might discourage me until it's too late to back out. My husband and daughter and my sister are all encouraging though and they matter most. Both my parents are gone but I feel they would encourage me also. (It's my in-laws that I think will be most discouraging). Anyway, the people here on this board are very supportive and encouraging. If you read often you will get some pointers and ideas too. Welcome Sheila

Welcome Barb , So sorry that your support system isnt what it should be. but we will try to make up for it if you will let us. If you have any questions let us know and if we dont know the answers we will help you find them. We love to have new memebers all the the time. So Welcome and you have a great day and come back often. Jan

Thanks Jan (and Sheila). Believe it or not, my biggest non-supporters seem to be my therapist and my diabetes doctor. When I discussed it with my diabetes dr earlier this year he seemed supportive, and my reg doc is, but I saw my regular therapist last week and she freaked out on me...told me that I am addicted to food and that I need to really think about this before she would write me a letter to the surgeon. She wants me to try to lose weight until I go back to see her on the 21st. She just doesn't seem to get it that it isn't losing the weight, it is keeping it off. It was very discouraging especially since my husband agreed with her. He hasn't exactly been super supportive, but hasn't tried to talk me out of it either. My mom and friends are all supportive. I am seriously scared, but I keep thinking about how great it will be to be able to do things with my girls and to have the hope of watching them grow up. I only wish my husband would consider it with me so we could go through it together. Anyway, thanks for the hello's and support. It really does mean alot to me

Welcome BARB... Yes, these Ladies and Gents are quite the support system...I can tell you that! Have you gone to the Seminar already? Janet & I seem to both be going to the one this Saturday.... SOunds like each one of us is in the same boat.... Keep us posted....okay :D

Welcome Barb! And good luck in your pursuit! Don't let anything get in your way! You're a "lightweight", as was I. I was 251 the day of surgery. I was Type 2 Diabetic without complications though. I'm doing fantastic! My surgery was 2yrs ago and I had a lower body lift in May. I'm doing great since that also. Hope to see ya here more. This site was SOOOOO IMPORTANT to me through my journey pre-op and post-op. Tami