Dropped morethan my 5% that took me forever finallyGoing for Dr. Patterson's aprvl @Legacy...

Hi Oregon Boarders, I have been so discouraged for so long because I couldn't lose the weight needed to get the actual procedure. I've been through the entire process including the class at the very end. I was the only one in there who didn't have a date scheduled. I had EVERYTHING done except the weightloss. I really struggled with it, but now I have a lot more control over what I eat. I have my appointment scheduled for early Thursday morning to see if Dr. Patterson approves me for surgery. I am excited and scared. I have been to lots of support groups including some at Legacy, OHSU, Salem Hospital, & Salem OWLS. They are all different but insightful. Support groups have encouraged me not to quit. I am grateful and would reccomend going to anyone. These boards are so inspiring and helpful that my fears are eased so much more when I am on. Wow- what a great community obese people and helpers have created for themselves. I am one who feels life is a journey and struggles help us learn. Years ago I would never have thought I would be in this situation in life at this exact moment. I did not grow up around many obese people and thought my situation is unique except for a small minority. I feel I have ability to accomplish more now. Thanks for the love and support. Please send your prayers, thoughts, and love with me tomorrow. It's going to be a memorable day!

Starflower,  Congratulations on your appointment.  You are on your way now and you will be starting on the way to a new you very soon.  It is a wonderful ride.  Hang in there.  Julia

Congrats!!!! Your hard work and perserverence paid off!!!

Congratulations and the best of luck! Please let us know as soon as you find out. I am very excited for you!

Starflower, congratulations on your appt with Dr. P! Hopefully she will approve you for surgery. Best of luck!

Congrats!  I'm going to Legacy too (but live in Seattle). Alicia

Hey Heather!  I'm excited for you.  I hope you get your appointment scheduled tomorrow.  How exciting!  Best wishes to you. Linda

Wow, all this major support is really appreciated. The surgeon decided it would be best if I come back in a month to meet with her again since I did not use my cpap machine like she had asked. I have always struggled with it because I sleep on my stomach instead of my back. It is hard to have my face tucked in a pillow with the mask on. I also toss & turn an enormous amount through out the night which makes the cords get tangled up easily. My plan was to start using it about a month before my appointment (if I could handle it), but I got a huge long lasting head cold that plugged  up my nose and throat & the cpap people told me not to use it until my nose was cleared up, so I didn't get a chance yet. I know I should have done it before, but I didn't. She also told me to continue the weightloss. I don't think an extra month of preparation is too bad and I do understand her position to want to be safe. In spite of that, however, I did get a bit depressed. I think I had a lot of anticipation building up to todays event, so it's somewhat anti-climatic. Most of all, I wonder "Is this ever going to happen?" I am trying to jump right back into life, which is a definite improvement to my old habbits. I did not overeat because of the outcome and am instead making other plans for the future about fun, physical stuff I want to do when I am at an appropriate weight. Just reading these comments have lifted my mood! Thanx again for all the guidance & support!

Heather  I know it was a bit of a  bummer but it seems to work out when it is supposed to. The CPAP is important . Keep working with it , there must be someone who stuggled with using one that may have a suggestion. Our  hurdles were the insurance ,and paper work. Hang in there girl the day is coming.  Taylor the Sailor

I appreciate that. If there's one thing I've learned it's that most everyone has one part they struggle with during this entire process.