Hello all, new to this site

Hi everyone, this is a little strange for me, as I normally do not talk to anyone outside of work. But, I have been wanting to have this surgery for about 8 months now, and decided that I need to reach out to someone and get some information from people who have actually had this done and are living it daily, instead of merely website research. If you couldn't tell, I'm a bit of a recluse, mainly I guess because of the way I look. Always have been. But I really want to start talking to people, maybe it will help. Please, tell me your stories, let me know what I can expect. I'll do my best to respond to all who write me. Thank you, sincerely. Kelly

Kelly First and fore most Welcome. I am glad to see that your reaching out to get first hand experiences from people who have been thro the surgery. I had surgery on the 24th of April. So I am a little over 2 months out. So far I have lost 70 lbs and feel like a million bucks. Before surgery I was on Oxygen 24/7, slept on a bypap machine, slept in a hospital bed, took several pills + shots for my diabetis, couldnt walk in Wal Mart without ride a cart, Had to dropped off at the front door of where ever we was going cause I would lose my breath so fast. Now I dont sleep with my bipap machine, I havent worn oxygen since I left the hospital, I just bought a regular queen size bed that DH and I sleep in, I dont use the carts at Wal Mart anymore. I have to slow down for my DH cause I walk faster then he does. I am off 90% of my pills and take shots only to control my sugar. (Which have been perfect) People ask me if I had the choise to redo it would I and each and every time I tell them YES!!!!! I havent been sick 1 time, BUT I DO ONLY WHAT THE DOCTOR TELLS ME TO DO. I DONT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING I'M NOT SUPPOSE TOO!!!! It is a life decision and one that I am very very very happy I made. If yu ever want to email me or if you have any questions please feel free to drop me a email. I will answer any question I can. [email protected] God Bless Melissa

Hi Kelly. I see we are from the same neck of the woods. First of all welcome to our little family. Everyone here is very nice and always willing to help out with any questions that you have. Like Jan said, no question is too silly. We have all been there at some point. I had surgery a little over 3 months ago on April 4th. Since surgery I have lost 70 pounds. Like Melissa said, I have never regretted having the surgery and would have again in the blink of an eye. I am very happy with my decision. My walking is greatly improved and I am off of several of my meds already. My cholesterol level has gone from almost 300 to 170. Feel free to email me anytime at [email protected]

Hi there Kelly, welcome to the site and to the missouri board. I know you'll love it here. Im new here myself and already the people here have made me feel right at home, its so great!!! I know you'll find that with any question you have there's someone that can help or willing to find out about something if they dont know, like the rest have said, no question is dum, ask away. I've just started my journey and dont have a surgery date yet but am in the process. I look forward to more of your posts and hope you find what your looking for. Have a great weekend. God Bless Andrew

HI Kelly, Welcome to the Mo board! You can read my story in my profile. If you have any questions at all I'd be happy to respond. Feel free to email if you want. Taking that step to POST was a good choice!!! CONGRATS on that!!! You'll make alot of friends on this site. There are alot of great boards on here. See you around!!! Tami

Hi Kelly and welcome to the MO board. Feel free to ask any questions that you might have, the people here are great at responding. I had my surgery a year ago in May and so far I have lost 130 lbs. Its been pretty rewarding for me and I know that the best is yet to come. I have so much energy and life now that I never dreamt it would be possible. I don't know if you have picked out a surgeon yet, but we have a great support group that meets twice a month at Depaul Hospital at 270 and 70. We meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays each month at 5:30. You are welcome to come and join us and ask any questions you may have while you are researching it. Dr De La Torre is the surgeon I used and he will be having a seminar in August that has alot of information about the surgery as well.

Kelly, Congratulations on joining the Missouri board. This is the best place. Everyone is so supportive and caring. You'll love it and we'll promise to love you. I haven't had my surgery yet, have to do a six month physician monitored diet and exercise program required by my insurance but I'm almost two months into it and am feeling stronger. I needed to improve me stamina and walking and exercise has helped. Ask any questions you want, no one here is going to think you're dumb or flame you. We all had to ask before we learned the answers. Hugs and love Lana

Hey Kelly!! Welcome to the Missouri board...if you have questions be sure to post them...somebody will more than likely be able to offer you support. You can read my profile as well...I'm not good at updating. -Kelli

I have been in bed sick for the past couple days, today was the first day I could get back online, and then I saw all these responses! Oh my God! Thank you all, you really don't know how much it means to me that someone out there is willing to help answer questions, and just be there for me. As I stated earlier, I am at work pretty much 24/7. I lost my son, and after that have really had no contact with anyone in my family. So knowing that there are a few genuine people out there has made my day, no...my week. I've contacted a doctor and am going to my first seminar. Somehow I thought this process would be fast, you know...Hi, here's my insurance, can we schedule this for next week? LOL, that sure isn't how it happens! Again, thank you all.