Newbie Jitters!

Hello Everyone!

This is my first step out on this journey and I heard this is the place to come for help, support and information.

First of all, my name is Glenda, my family and I live in Wilmington but I an originally from the Greater Cincinnati/Northern KY.

I am a terrible compulsive eater, stress eater and have been dxed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.  I am so miserable right now, my legs hurt, my right hip and side feels like something is stabbing me, I’m tired, I’m stressed, I’m sad…....I'm almost to the point where I am unable to do much of what I could even 6 months ago. I have a busy life, a 16 year old daughter and a wonderful job.

The past two years have been hard for me. First, I was diagnosed with an Acoustic Neuroma (a kind of brain tumor) that affects hearing and balance. Getting through that was tough, it was during this time I was dxed with the POS. One of the symptoms is Metabolic issues such as Insulin Resistance.    Last year, following a plane trip I ended up with Pulmonary Embolisms in both lungs. I was not aware that I had DVT in my left leg….the clot was from the middle of the back of my leg and up above the knee.   Sounds like it’s fun to be me eh? I really am a person who loves life….just not the one I have right now.   I am starting this journey at 355 pounds and 5’8. I’m so embarrassed to admit that but it’s something I can’t hide now is it?    What I wanted to know is if there are any of you here in Wilmington that can share some local info with me on doctors? I have an appointment for 12/23 with a doctor, James Harris who my family doc referred me to. Also, have any of you experienced Pulmonary embolisms and if so how did it affect how they approached your surgery?   I hope that I am able to add to the group – I am typically a positive person – right now I’m hurting in so many ways….I need some support! Thank you for your time and your help!   G

Hey Glenda and welcome to one of the best boards on here. I live over around Leland which isn't to far from Wilmington and actually I'm over there more than I am at home. My doctor is Dr. David Miles the other weight loss doctor. I had a DVT back in 2001 behind my knee so for the surgery I had a IVC Filter put in and was given a couple shots of Levanox. I'm two months out and down 47 lbs and I didn't have any problems with blood clots. Tomorrow night (Dec 3)at 6:30pm at Cape Fear Hospital we are having a support group meeting and it will be a clothing exchange and I think they wanted people to bring a weight loss friendly appretizer, so it would be great if you would want to come and just listen to what everybody has to say and you can even ask these questions and I'm sure someone could answer them. Anyway I'm sorry you are having so many problems but with the surgery it would probably help you.

Hi Glenda!

Yes ma'am, you are correct...you have come to the right place! 

My family is originally from Indiana and we spent much time in the Cincy area with school for hubby (auto).  We moved to the mountains of NC in 2002.  I hope you are enjoying NC as much as we are!

I'm so sorry to hear of all your health troubles.  I think you are on the right track with your investigation/pursual of WLS.  Like most of us here, I feel it has been such a life-saver for me.  Even though I am just 12 days post-op...I already feel optimistic...something I haven't felt in I don't know how long!

Cindy is right about the blood thinning shots and the filter.  I can't imagine with your history a surgeon not insisting on both.  If he/she doesn't, I'd find someone else!  I know Annie's filter caught a most-likely fatal clot...she is so very thankful she had that in place as a precaution. 

So welcome to the NC forum!  Any questions?...ask away!  Any vents?...vent away!  Reason to celebrate?...let us celebrate with you!  Wishing you lots of GOOD LUCK on your journey to a healthier you!!!

Glenda - Welcome to the NC board - most definitely the best for information, support and genuine friendships...

Good luck with your journey.  Be sure to write down your questions for when you go to the doctor.  It is so hard to remember everything that you want to ask without a piece of paper in your hand !  

Hope to hear lots from you !

Shelia 

HI GLENDA!!! WELCOME TO THE NC BOARD!!

You do not have to be ashamed or embarrassed about anything here girl!
We just throw it out there and get some great advise, support, and motivation from these wise people

I love Wilmington!! I live in Charlotte but my father in laws family lives in Wilmington. We used to visit alot before his mother passed away a couple years ago.

Good luck on your journey!!

HUGS 
Pam

 Glenda you have landed in the best bunch of folks that could be assembled for recovering fataholics. As one of the few men that dares post within the sacred sanctions of this forum.. (just kidding ladies) I can assure you there are some of the most loving and willing people you could ask for in here that do care to share as you did their pains and gains in weight loss, obesity, and recovery from obesity and the other things that go with it. I just could wish you the greatest of outcomes in your journey which ever way you choose to go and what ever path you take to get there. We all had to come to terms with a big problem at some time. I can relate to much of what you have said other than the blood clots and trust me if you are able to get into recovery of obesity you will most likely see some really cool changes come about from it. I am going on four months out and my whole life is way more better than it was prior to surgery. Not that I advocate surgery but it was my choice as you will begin to make choices. Do take time to read some of the journals these brave souls have written. Most are good honest appraisals of things that may relate to you and help you along the way. Welcome to the NC forum. 

Glenda,

My name is Meredith and I just joined this Board last month after having lap band surgery with Dr. David Miles here in Wilmington.  Cindy (the first reply to your post) and I just got done with a support group meeting at Cape Fear Hospital, and I agree with her that going to a support group meeting would be a great place to investigate surgery for you.  There were several people at our meeting tonight who have not had surgery yet and are just waiting and investigating options like you.  I believe that most of the people in our support group are patients of Dr. Miles (who is wonderful!!!), and I believe that Dr. Harris has a support group with mostly his patients on another night, but anyone is welcome at either, depending on which you can fit into your schedule.  After your visit to Dr. Harris, if you decide to go with him, I might suggest calling his office and finding out when his support group meetings are held.  Good luck to you!

Meredith

Thank you everyone for the warm welcome! 

I do think getting to a support group is something I need to do.  How often are the meetings?  Is there somewhere I can go to find out dates and times?

I didn't mention in my first post that my younger sister had  her surgery a year ago September and just recently hit her weight loss goal losing 108 lbs.  She had done very well with very little problems....although she was not as heavy as I am.  She has been a great support.

So I am going to continue to read, listen and learn over the next few weeks/months and I'll get there!

Thank you again!!

g