Hello from a Newbie

I just wanted to take a minute and introduce myself.. I am Kim from Lawton/Ft Sill Ok. I am in the beginning stages of WLS. I have gotten a referal from my PCM, an I am scheduled to go to the intro seminar on 20 January 09.
I am married to a wonderful man, he is Active Duty Army and is a EOD Team Leader (Army Bomb Squad). We recently did a 15 month deployment & hope to get by with out another one before retirement in 2011. We have 2 kids & 7 grandkids (I started young). We have 3 Rescue Great Danes who are our furbabies & go everywhere with us. And yes! they sleep in our bed & live in the house. I started college in the fall and am working toward my degree in social work. Never thought I would be a 42 yr old freshman!!
The gorie details...I have been above the 200 mark since I was 16 yrs old after the birth of my son. Done every diet on the planet, I am currently at my highest weight of 254 which isnt cool for a short chik or anyone else for that matter. This summer I was placed on HBP meds & Zocor, and have to be tested every 3 months to make sure my sugar is in check. I come from a long line of healthy folks and have less than desirable eating habits. I have researched WLS for the last 2 yrs and after developing the co's and putting on 30 pounds in 2 yrs, I have reached the conclusion it is time to try a new approach. So after a long conversation with the Hubby, family and my PCM, we are all on board with Momma getting healthy. I am super excited to be on this journey & hope to get to know everyone & learn from your experiences..
Thanks for reading this rather long winded intro. 

Hi, Kim.
How nice to meet you! We love seeing a new face. This forum is one of the most supportive on OH.com. You will be embraced, as was I. :)
It sounds like you're ready for the surgery. Let us know how we can encourage you through the process. Things will get started for real, when you go to the seminar. Until then, keep reading posts and reply/post as often as you want.
Blessings,
Mary

HI Kim, it is nice to meet you. I too researched WLS for a long time before I took the plunge. Now I am awaiting a surgery date. Hopefully it won't be too long. You will find that his board is very supportive and embracing. Post all your questions, concerns and someone will answer. Someone has been through it and will give you guidance. It is great to have you here. Congrats on your decision to get healthy.
EMily

Back to school and WLS-too of the most exciting things I have ever done.  I'm looking forward to hearing more about your adventures!  Welcome to the forum.

Hi Kim-

Welcome to the OK OH forum...

Thank you and your husband for serving our country! 

You couldn't have picked a better place or a better bunch of folks to walk this road with.  The docs are fantastic.  The program is hard but it's worth every bit. 

Good luck and come back often!  We're here for you!

Welcome to the forums. 

Hi Kim!  No doubt you will find the folks on this board to be the most caring and compassionate folks around.  They helped me immensely when I started.  Please let us know if you have any questions.  No question is a dumb question!  We have all asked the same things at one time.
Welcome!
Camille

Welcome Kim!  This board has been wonderful to me and I'm only an occasional poster, but avid reader.  Congratulations on the wonderful new adventures of school & getting healthy.  I look forward to knowing you better & wish you the best!

Teri - Edmond, OK

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I have read many of the threads & can see y~all are a very caring & supportive group. I look foward to getting to know y~all.