Looking for an angel and support!!

Hi everyone, I wanted to post a big thank-you for everyones wonderfull information and help these past few weeks.  I am thinking my surgery will take place in late Sept.  I will not be having surgery in Bend because they are not a center of excellence.  Being i am not having a local surgeon i am finding it difficult to find a support group.  It seems that the local docs have their own.  My surgeon will be 4 hours away.  I am also looking for friends to lean on whether you have had surgery or not i am looking to make new friends because i need the love and support of others.  My mom isnt happy about the surgery.  She thinks if i just eat healthy all the time i should be ok.  I have been eating very healthy since jan. and i have lost 8 pounds.  I know that is a start but i can gain it back in an hour.. lol  My mom stuck me on my first diet at 10 because chubby girls arent cute and well liked.  I wasnt really fat just a *****ubby.  I didnt eat at all hardly during high school to keep my weight down.  End result is my metabolism is screwed up.  I have lost and gained my 100 pounds 7 times.. Yes!! 7.  I am sick of it.  Anyways I really need some support since my mom isnt here for me on this.  I have 6 brothers and no sisters so i need a weight loss sister.  Thanks so much Christina

Which insurance do you have?  I have BCBS and St. Charles Med Center is Bend is listed as a Center of Excellence.  If you can have the surgery done close by, you'd be a lot better off than travelling.  Believe me, I have to go back and forth to Portland a lot and, if you need to have a fasting blood test, driving 2 hours one way with no coffee is a real drag! Linda

Hi Christina, I can relate to your life long struggle with weight issues.  I was always overweight!  And like you, lost over 100 lbs. twice in my life.  Just a sad stuggle with losing and regaining.  This surgery wasn't my last hope..... but it was hope.  And the counseling, nutriional info and this OH site only made me more sure I was doing the right thing for myself.  I'm sorry that your Mom doesn't support you right now.  I'm sure she'll come around when she sees how much better you feel and how happy you are...... because you took charge of your life. Keep me posted. Best wishes, Nola

Hi Nola, Thanks for posting a reply.  Its nice to know people will support me even if itson the computer.  I am thinking about going to an info meeting tonight in Bend even though i am not useing them as surgeons i would like to at least meat people in my town.  I want support and love.  My sweet husband does provide that to me though.  My mom called yesterday in a panic after watching a commercial about lap bands.  She is upset over the risks and complications.  I told her not to worry i am having gastric bypass.  Then another hour passes and she calls again this time totally freaded out telling me it is way to dangerous!!!!  I told her i havent made up my mind and that got her off my back.  She did say if i do have the surgery she will advocate for me in the hospital.  When she had surgery for coloc cancer i stayed the whole 8 days in hospital with her.  OHSU nurses wer so busy and rude that she wasnt well cared for.  I made sure she got her pain meds and fresh sheet ect ect.  She has not forgot that.  Its hard when we are the patient we feel bad to make a fuss and we are in pain and sick so we dont advocate well for ourselves thats why its good to have one with you.  Thanks so much for listening to my rant.    Have a good day, Christina

You'll really find a lot of support here once people get to "know" you.  Unfortunately it may only come long distance.  As far as support groups are concerned, I've only gone to two meetings here and they bored me so I haven't been back...