Hi everyone, I'm a newbie.

Hi folks, My name is Pam and I'm having RNY-Lap on Tuesday August 15th. I'm 41yo and live in Gautier, MS. My surgeon is Dr. Avara in Ocean Springs. My husband is retired Air Force, working out at Keesler as an instructor. Doing the exact same job, in the exact same work center he was in prior to retiring. He's a happy man. :-) As of April 21st, I am a full time SAHM to a my wonderful 13mo son and I run a part time photography business out of my home. Up until Andrea M moved to Jacksonville, FL, I worked with her. :ninja: Needless to say, I'm very happy with my life right now, except for my weight. I know I can't be the mother I WANT to be and my son NEEDS me to be carrying around an extra 135lbs or more. I could just see myself getting bigger and bigger as time goes on and being over 400+ at 50yo and he would only be 10yo. Or worse, I'd be dead. So after being overweight, to one degree or another, for the majority of my life, I made the decisions to do something about it. I went to one of Dr. Avara's seminars and I really liked him. So, I made a consult appt a month later and now I'm having surgery. I was at 270 when I went to my consult. Dr. Avara asked me to lost 15 lbs prior to surgery and I've done that. I am now at 252. I look forward to getting to know everyone. -Pam

Pam, Welcome aboard!!! We're so glad to have you! Surgery is just around the corner! How exciting! Be sure and keep us posted and let us know if you need ANYTHING! Lot's of great support around your area too! HUGS Kimberly 235/121 -- below goal!

Welcome to the board ! Good luck with your surgery! DAWN~~ 285/173/163 ps . i dont know how in the world you or anyone else could ever work with that hussy Andie!! haha had to be terriable!!!

ahem... Ya KNOW... don't make me tell people how you corrupted one of your kids last summer to bombard my kid with chef boyardee cans from the upper cabinet and almost hack my poor daughter's toe off so I had to leave WORK and bring the poor bleeding child to the ER !!! I had to miss several days of work for that, so you're just lucky I aint there no more and have my angry work mob come after you for me missing work hehehe BE NICE !

Im moving you to the second page on MySpace friends list for that!!!

I'm with you! Congratz on your surgery date. I'm having WLS for the exact same reason. My son is 4 years old and I'm sick of being a fat mommy. He deserves a mom that can run up and down the sidelines, cheering for him. CONGRATZ again! Meghan

Hi Pam and WELCOME!!! Does Dr Avara take tricare now?? Or do you have a diff insurance. He didn't take it when I started looking about 2 months ago. I am going to Dr. Lord in Pensacola Fla. Look forward to hearing more about you!

Hi Connie, Dr. Avara still doesn't take TriCare. My husband works at Keesler as a civilian and we have Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal through his job. 1000 time easier to get approval. :-)

Congrats Pam on making the decision to change your lifestyle. Just wanted to let you know that you have a lot of strangers out here rooting for you. We have a support group that meets every month at the Pepsi Rec Center on Dedeaux Road in Gulfport if you are interested. This month the meeting is on the 28th at 7 pm. Email me if you would like more information. I know Dr. Avara has his own group but to me you can never get too much support. Take care and best wishes! Rhonda

Hi Pam So glad you finally came on the board, I was wondering if I'd have to drag you out and introduce ya!!! I know these ladies will happily be there for you if you need them. They've been great friends to me and the two years I was there. I'm so excited for you and know that you' ve made a good decision for your health and your family. Now I'm hoping that they'll treat you with respect even after you told 'em that you know me... haha. Let me know if they don't behave ( especially Dawn!! she's a little ) Since I moved I can't keep 'em all in line any more JUST KIDDING I know these folks will take good care of you when u need moral support. Don't ever hesitate to post.. or gripe... or whine..... this is the place to do it !! Take care!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ~Andie~