My first posting...

Hello everyone. I am currently researching wls and waiting for my approval letter from my insurance. I am not sure which surgery I am going to have done. I need to get weight off fast, as I have osteoarthritis in both knees and degenerative joint disease. I am in pain every day and have become a prisoner in my body. I have had substantial weight loss in the past, 3 times, but never even came close to an "ideal" weight, but certainly came closer when I could excercise. I just need to have this surgery done so I can start living again. I have 4 children, ranging from 3-20 and I want to see them all grow up and have their own kids. As of Dec 15th, when my FMLA time at work ran out, I had to resign from a job I loved and I have been told by my dr, that I will have to go on disability, at least until I can get healthy again. I feel like a time bomb, if I dont get the surgery, I am sure that hypertension and diabetes will be knocking on the door as my moms whole side of the family had it, and so does she. I had to postpone one of my knee replacements once due to treatment for a blood clot and then the welcome addition to my youngest son, who was certainly a blessing, but a shock, to say the least. So, in the past 4 years, due to lack of physical activity, I have gained almost 100# and add that to an already large person, and that spells disaster!! I have a loving husband, who will love me no matter what, we have a rock solid marriage and he is my best friend. All of my other friends tell me about all of the risks, but they dont really support my decision and this makes me feel very alone and thats not easy when you already feel empty inside. Like I said, I have the support of the 5 people I live with and my orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Brian Ellefson, who I love like a part of my family, but I feel alone. I have just shared this information with my mother, who lives in MN, asking for her support, so I am sure I can add her to the list as well. I have posted this because I have been reading the amazing support you all give to one another and I know that will help me in my journey and you are all amazing. Your stories are truly inspirational and you have all touched my life. You have made me realize I am really not all alone and that someone else knows what it feels like to have to worry about certain chairs and restaurant seating, rides at the amusement parks, crossing your legs and the list goes on. These are all of the things my friends take for granted, but the things I long for in my life. I want to live, for myself, for my health, for my beautiful children and my loving husband, so....if anyone has any advice they can share, or just want to say hey, I would love to hear from you. Thanks and Good Luck in 2006 everyone, I wish you all the best!!! Janet

Do whatever you can to have your surgery so you can start living again. I had my wls so I could qualify for a heart transplant as I have a very weak heart. I have improved enough maybe I never will need the transplant that I now can qualify for. I had little support. My cardiologist told me I probably would die on the operating table, so my wife was against surgery and everyone else was just plain afraid I would die. I was high risk, but I did fine. My wife had her wls six months after mine and I have an aunt working on getting her approval to her wls. It may be hard but will be worth it the rewards are great.

Janet, I just turned on the cp and read your post. Yes, there is a big risk to WLS. But there is no greater risk than with any other surgery. There is even a bigger risk if you keep gaining weight and you develop all other disabilities too. Only you can make the choice of the surgery. I too have Degenerative joint disease and (one hip replacement already), I had hypertension. (Notice I said I had). I too, was skeptical and had all kinds of reactions from my family, but when they knew I had made up my mind they supported me. My DH has always and remains a Gem. I had mine (LapRNY) on 11-14-05 and am down 49 pounds. The amazing thing is I am off my blood pressure medicine and blood pressure in now 130/68. dont dwell on the negative, but read the positive. Pray and God will lead you to the right decision. Hope this helps. Colette

Dear David and Colette, Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it so much. I AM going to have the surgery, I just have to wait for my insurance approval. I know I may have obstacles, but I am ready to fight for my life and I want to. I have always been a fighter, but I believe its easier to fight when you know you have a support system like OH. I appreciate everyone taking time to say some encouring words and give inspiration. I am spending this week researching all of the facilities that are possiblities for me, then when I get my approval letter (I am no longer even letting the thought of a denial letter come into my head) I will see which facility will be covered and set up my appt. I will be contacting those that I research and make sure they take my insurance and have everything done except the actual appt. My ortho Dr said to see if I could get my pysch eval and whatever else I need out of the way as well, but I read somewhere here that you have a certain time frame, so I will check that out first. Thanks for everything and I hope you have a great week! Best of wishes, Janet