Just starting out..

Well I just wanted to introduce myself.  Hopefully if everything goes well I'll become a "regular".   I am just starting out in the process. I'm a 31 year old mom of 3..   5'7 and 245-250.  I was diagnosed almost 11 years ago with diabetes with my first pregnancy.   I've since been on daily insulin shots to keep my sugar under control. I've tried every thing possible.. I had quite a bit of success with "low carb" and lost approximately 60 pounds in about 9 months or so between my 2nd and 3rd child.   Then my little guy came along and wouldn't you know, there was that 60 pounds plus another 10 or so.  Little guy is now 4 years old and I've been off and on low carb the entrie time, along with other "diets' in between.  I just have not had any success.  The turning point for me was last week I was at work and had to getting something out of a bottom filing cabinet,  as I stood back up.. I grunted something like "oh my knees"  because in the past 6-9 months my knees have started to cause me considerable pain and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize it's probably from all the extra weight I care.   Anyways.. a co-worker who is 25+ years older than me came by and heard me and she was like  "What?  I don't want to hear that, you're took young to have problems with your knees"..  Earlier this week, on my latest 3 month check up (my sugar levels even on insulin run so out of control I have to go see my PCP every 3 months.)   I finally brought up the idea of surgery and she did agree that "It could be a great step in the right direction" with her well wishes and promise to help in any way possible I've started out on my journey. At this point I've done a lot of research (including hours of reading on OH).. and I'm trying to select a surgeon/center.  I think I have narrowed it down to two options.     I've called and now have an appointment for the group meeting at Strong (just under 2 hours away), although it's not until Jan 8.. and I've filled out and mailed in the questionair to Upstate.  (35 minutes away).   So as I said I've just started out.. At this point I really would love to hear any experiences at either place (although, I have read all the testiments and reviews for each one)..   Is there any suggestions on things I should be doing during this time??  Should I start on a dr. supervised diet now?    As I understand some insurances require that?    I"m just so full of questions I'm not even sure where to start. Thanks in advance

Morning!  Welcome to OH NY!

I have been going to Syracuse/Upstate and love everyone there!!!  My surgeon is incredible!  Plus, it's closer for you to go there than Strong!  (not that I'm trying to strum up business for Upstate or anything...lol)  Add me and I'll answer anything I can! 

PS-  I'll be in Cortland tomorrow, my son has a concert at the college.

Muah

Welcome! Visit often and post regularly!

Welcome.  First I would select a doctor...they usually help you with the steps that you must take to start the process.  Having your primary doctor's support is a great way to start.  It is alot of "jumping through hoops" to get approval.  Just keep plugging.  We are here for any questions...Good Luck! Rosemary

Hi, Welcome to OH and to the beginning of a new journey in your life.  I wanted to point out that while you mentioned your weight history there seemed to be no mention of  other life events, feelings, or changes ( in addition to childbirth) that may have occurred during these last 11 years.  Our weight is often connected to our emotions and in addition to exploring your surgery I wonder if you have not considered exploring the emotional aspects connected to eating.  Support groups and therapy with specialists proves to be a tremendous addition to this life journey.  Have you considered keeping a journal to write about the steps and feelings you are taking, etc...Feel free to contact me if you want to talk more but in the meantime remember that while we care for our bodies we must also care for our emotions too.  Good Luck

Hi, welcome to this great NY board. I know WLS can work miracles for people w/diabetes.  Keep us posted.

Welcome to the board!!!  It's amazing here.  I've gotten so much help over the last few months and I so appreciate it!  I'm sure you will find lots of answers to your questions . I called my insurance company directly to ask them what they required for me to get through this.  It helped a lot.