Time again for introductions.....
Hello all! Angela -- thanks so much for introducing this thread, what a great idea.
Here we go -- my name is Sandy, 42 years old and single. And then usually the next question I get is you were never married??? No, never married, no children. Long term relationships, but have yet to find the one to walk down the aisle with.
For most of my life I've been overweight. In my early 30's lost a significant amount of weight and kept if off for 2+ years, but then in what seemed like an all of sudden fashion I put all the weight back on and more. Like many of us here, over these past years, have tried many means to get back to a healthy weight. From Healthway RI, hypnosis, visualization, even a trip to Canyon Ranch and needless to say never had complete success with anything. Included in my thoughts at the time was having WLS, but considered it to be too drastic a measure. But one day I accompanied my brother to one of his doctor's appointments, his doc brought up this idea of WLS. Once he rolled out the idea, it seemed like the universe was sending me a message.
So my brother and I began our exploration. Due to a more significant medical history, my brother is still working towards having surgery, he's waiting on insurance approval for a gastric sleeve. It was a bit of a blow for me when he didn't get approved, as I thought I'd have a "built in buddy" to go through this journey. Even without having the surgery, he's been part of my support system. As for me, my RNY was done by Dr. Sax at the Miriam on August 20, 2008. So far I've lost 78 pounds. I've experienced a significant decrease in my arthritis and fibromyalgia symptoms, my diabetes is in "remission" and my blood pressure is now within a normal range. If only my cholesterol would cooperate, but it may be genetics impacting things there. Beginning this process, I've never had a goal weight set. My goal was to get back to feeling healthy and I'm happy to report I'm well on my way.
Professionally, I'm in a state of limbo. For 20 years, I worked with hospitalized children and families providing normalizing play experiences, education and support. But for the past year, I've been searching for my professional bliss. Two years ago, I trained as a professional voice over artist and pursing these jobs has kept me busy. Most of the work I've done has been for voice mail systems, company training DVD's and audiobooks. I don't have the skills to do all the cartoon sort of voices, always amazed by those who do posses that talent. I've also been taking classes in event planning, as well as getting certified in some of the healing arts such as acupressure and reflexology.
Everyday I appreciate more and more the things I've learned on OH and from the truly great people here.
~ Sandy
Here we go -- my name is Sandy, 42 years old and single. And then usually the next question I get is you were never married??? No, never married, no children. Long term relationships, but have yet to find the one to walk down the aisle with.
For most of my life I've been overweight. In my early 30's lost a significant amount of weight and kept if off for 2+ years, but then in what seemed like an all of sudden fashion I put all the weight back on and more. Like many of us here, over these past years, have tried many means to get back to a healthy weight. From Healthway RI, hypnosis, visualization, even a trip to Canyon Ranch and needless to say never had complete success with anything. Included in my thoughts at the time was having WLS, but considered it to be too drastic a measure. But one day I accompanied my brother to one of his doctor's appointments, his doc brought up this idea of WLS. Once he rolled out the idea, it seemed like the universe was sending me a message.
So my brother and I began our exploration. Due to a more significant medical history, my brother is still working towards having surgery, he's waiting on insurance approval for a gastric sleeve. It was a bit of a blow for me when he didn't get approved, as I thought I'd have a "built in buddy" to go through this journey. Even without having the surgery, he's been part of my support system. As for me, my RNY was done by Dr. Sax at the Miriam on August 20, 2008. So far I've lost 78 pounds. I've experienced a significant decrease in my arthritis and fibromyalgia symptoms, my diabetes is in "remission" and my blood pressure is now within a normal range. If only my cholesterol would cooperate, but it may be genetics impacting things there. Beginning this process, I've never had a goal weight set. My goal was to get back to feeling healthy and I'm happy to report I'm well on my way.
Professionally, I'm in a state of limbo. For 20 years, I worked with hospitalized children and families providing normalizing play experiences, education and support. But for the past year, I've been searching for my professional bliss. Two years ago, I trained as a professional voice over artist and pursing these jobs has kept me busy. Most of the work I've done has been for voice mail systems, company training DVD's and audiobooks. I don't have the skills to do all the cartoon sort of voices, always amazed by those who do posses that talent. I've also been taking classes in event planning, as well as getting certified in some of the healing arts such as acupressure and reflexology.
Everyday I appreciate more and more the things I've learned on OH and from the truly great people here.
~ Sandy
Hello All, Im Jared, 36 from N. Smithfield. I live with my wife and 2 boys ages 4 an 6.
I work for Hasbro Toy, as a network admin in there IT dept.
Ive been thinking about gb for about 5 years, and under went surgery on Feb 23 with Dr. V.
My kids are everything to me. and this is one of the reason Ive done this surgery.
being only 1 week out or so, I feel great, and have very little pain.
I look forward to seeing you in the support groups.
Congrats to everyone venturing on this journey ! Jared
I work for Hasbro Toy, as a network admin in there IT dept.
Ive been thinking about gb for about 5 years, and under went surgery on Feb 23 with Dr. V.
My kids are everything to me. and this is one of the reason Ive done this surgery.
being only 1 week out or so, I feel great, and have very little pain.
I look forward to seeing you in the support groups.
Congrats to everyone venturing on this journey ! Jared
Hi All ~ welcome to all newbies and hi again to all you old LOSERS!
My name is Pam, I live in Middletown with my husband and my two kids - Daniel is 13 and Heather is 10. I'm 44 years young and I too have been overweight most of my life.
I swear I've done every kind of diet at least once in my lifetime. I made a decision in the winter/spring of 2007 to investigate seriously RNY. I met with Dr. Roye in February 2007 and was more convinced than ever that this was for me.
I had my surgery (my re-birthday) on December 6th, 2007 and it was the beginning of a new life for me. I began my journey at 5' 7" I was 268 lbs and size 22W bottoms and 3xl tops and I'm now 138 lbs - size 6 bottoms and size S/M tops. I am amazed at how wonderful I feel with all this weight off of me. I have no more sleep apnea, no more painful joints, my blood pressure is on the low side of normal.
I can't say every step has been easy - it's all been a learning experience - but it's ALL worthwhile! I have so much more energy now to do things with my family. There are also countless NSV (Non Scale Victories) from shopping to fitting in rides to being able to wear a bathing suit in public again.
This is the most supportive group going ~ there is no question that I've ever felt that I couldn't ask and get a good honest answer and not feel like someone would laugh at me for asking. I hope that I can offer that same support to any of you that are just starting your journey. Please feel free to add me to your facebook if you're on there - my email address is [email protected] and I'm also on msn messenger if you'd like to add me with that same email address.
I'm looking forward to chatting with you all more soon!
Pam
My name is Pam, I live in Middletown with my husband and my two kids - Daniel is 13 and Heather is 10. I'm 44 years young and I too have been overweight most of my life.
I swear I've done every kind of diet at least once in my lifetime. I made a decision in the winter/spring of 2007 to investigate seriously RNY. I met with Dr. Roye in February 2007 and was more convinced than ever that this was for me.
I had my surgery (my re-birthday) on December 6th, 2007 and it was the beginning of a new life for me. I began my journey at 5' 7" I was 268 lbs and size 22W bottoms and 3xl tops and I'm now 138 lbs - size 6 bottoms and size S/M tops. I am amazed at how wonderful I feel with all this weight off of me. I have no more sleep apnea, no more painful joints, my blood pressure is on the low side of normal.
I can't say every step has been easy - it's all been a learning experience - but it's ALL worthwhile! I have so much more energy now to do things with my family. There are also countless NSV (Non Scale Victories) from shopping to fitting in rides to being able to wear a bathing suit in public again.
This is the most supportive group going ~ there is no question that I've ever felt that I couldn't ask and get a good honest answer and not feel like someone would laugh at me for asking. I hope that I can offer that same support to any of you that are just starting your journey. Please feel free to add me to your facebook if you're on there - my email address is [email protected] and I'm also on msn messenger if you'd like to add me with that same email address.
I'm looking forward to chatting with you all more soon!
Pam 
At Goal - 9/13/08
Hello all,
I have been lurking here for a while but this is my first post. I live in Barrington, RI with my husband of almost 30 years, and my two beautiful daughters who are 25 and 20. I never had a weight problem until after my first pregnancy. Since then, my weight has gone up and down and I have tried about 20 different diets. I am 5'2" and have weighed up to 233 lbs. Right now I am at 223. I have sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, borderline high blood pressure, and osteoporosis. I have been thinking about WLS for several years but was scared off by the early reports of death. My doctor finally told me last year that perhaps gastric bypass was for me. Two friends at work have had the surgery recently with Dr. V and recommended him highly, so I went to my first seminar in November.
I completed all my tests in January and went for my follow up visit on February 10. I was given a date of 4/6/09 for my surgery, but because I had some family trips planned for May and early July (that had already been paid for), I decided to push my surgery out to the second week of July. I am waiting now for the exact date, and also to be sure my insurance (United Health Care) will cover it.
In the meantime, I am going to go on insulin for a month before my surgery to help my hemoglobin A1C levels. I am also trying to lose some weight on my own (which I have of course been trying to do for the past 25 years).
I have been reading your posts and thank you all for your advice!
I have been lurking here for a while but this is my first post. I live in Barrington, RI with my husband of almost 30 years, and my two beautiful daughters who are 25 and 20. I never had a weight problem until after my first pregnancy. Since then, my weight has gone up and down and I have tried about 20 different diets. I am 5'2" and have weighed up to 233 lbs. Right now I am at 223. I have sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, borderline high blood pressure, and osteoporosis. I have been thinking about WLS for several years but was scared off by the early reports of death. My doctor finally told me last year that perhaps gastric bypass was for me. Two friends at work have had the surgery recently with Dr. V and recommended him highly, so I went to my first seminar in November.
I completed all my tests in January and went for my follow up visit on February 10. I was given a date of 4/6/09 for my surgery, but because I had some family trips planned for May and early July (that had already been paid for), I decided to push my surgery out to the second week of July. I am waiting now for the exact date, and also to be sure my insurance (United Health Care) will cover it.
In the meantime, I am going to go on insulin for a month before my surgery to help my hemoglobin A1C levels. I am also trying to lose some weight on my own (which I have of course been trying to do for the past 25 years).
I have been reading your posts and thank you all for your advice!
Hi Angela and OH Friends:
I would like to introduction myself for those of you who have not met me, I am not so new to the OH website however have only attended 2 meetings so far. My name is Lisa I live in Johnston, RI with my husband Glenn of 20+ years and my two not- so- children anymore. My son Glenn Jr. is 21 yrs.old and in college studying animal science. My daughter Savannah is 17 yrs. old and is graduating this year from high school and she is also going to college in the fall.
I had my surgery Jan. 6th 2009 with Dr. Pohl, he is a wonderful person and would recommend him to anyone. I have lost a total of 48 lbs total 17 Pre-Op and 31 Post-Op to date. I am in the trail and error stage when it comes to food. I always count on my OH friends for support and advice but I guess that's why we are all here lol.
Well not much to tell but look forward to meeting everyone,
Lisa
I would like to introduction myself for those of you who have not met me, I am not so new to the OH website however have only attended 2 meetings so far. My name is Lisa I live in Johnston, RI with my husband Glenn of 20+ years and my two not- so- children anymore. My son Glenn Jr. is 21 yrs.old and in college studying animal science. My daughter Savannah is 17 yrs. old and is graduating this year from high school and she is also going to college in the fall.
I had my surgery Jan. 6th 2009 with Dr. Pohl, he is a wonderful person and would recommend him to anyone. I have lost a total of 48 lbs total 17 Pre-Op and 31 Post-Op to date. I am in the trail and error stage when it comes to food. I always count on my OH friends for support and advice but I guess that's why we are all here lol.
Well not much to tell but look forward to meeting everyone,
Lisa
Hi,my name is Denise and I am a two year veteran. I had weight loss surgery on January 16, 2007.The beginning was rough, I hated it. Two years later, I have never been thinner in my life. I only wish I had done it 10 years ago.I have seen many of you at the support group meetings at Roger Williams. Dr Pohl was my surgeon and I can't say enough good things about him. I would recommend him to anyone looking into this surgery. I have lost 95 pounds and have maintained it for over a year which is a miracle in itself. At this point, I am really slacking in the excercise department and need a kick in the ass. I have Wii Fit which I have never used and a stationary bike that I used to go 15 miles on every single day. I have also gained an addiction to York Peppermint Patties. {good thing for malabsorbtion} I have 3 children- 28 ,25 and 22. My daughter got married in May and I didn't hide from the camera once. I don't post much because I type with one finger and I can't figure out how to put a picture up. Oh, I forgot my number 1 cheerleader , my husband of 31 years who has been behind me every day. If you're considering this surgery, go for it ! If you've done it, congratulations and keep up the good work.
Good Morning Everyone,
I am also a newbie here, althought am 9 months out from surgery. My name is Anthea and a live with wonderfully supportive husband Rui. We live in East Providence with Toasty - the terrible terrier (but our baby just the same). I had bypass with roye 5/8/08 and to date have lost about 155 pounds. I am 5.'10" and was always big. In my younger years, i wasn't thin, but i just had curves, but once i stopped growing in height, i grew in width. I have a twin sister, she was always a little heavier than me so I just thought I was ok as long as I wasn't as big as here. but that doesn't work if you both keep growing. I finally decided to have the surgery once i couldn't take the pain, have was on all sorts of meds and chronic pain. I know that this surgery has saved my life. I just think this site is a great way to meet other ppl who know what you are going thru and understand it. Now I don't even reconize my self in the the mirror and I never realized how much the weight was holding me bac****il it saw gone. Thanks to julie for telling me about this site, i would never have known. See ya Anthea
I am also a newbie here, althought am 9 months out from surgery. My name is Anthea and a live with wonderfully supportive husband Rui. We live in East Providence with Toasty - the terrible terrier (but our baby just the same). I had bypass with roye 5/8/08 and to date have lost about 155 pounds. I am 5.'10" and was always big. In my younger years, i wasn't thin, but i just had curves, but once i stopped growing in height, i grew in width. I have a twin sister, she was always a little heavier than me so I just thought I was ok as long as I wasn't as big as here. but that doesn't work if you both keep growing. I finally decided to have the surgery once i couldn't take the pain, have was on all sorts of meds and chronic pain. I know that this surgery has saved my life. I just think this site is a great way to meet other ppl who know what you are going thru and understand it. Now I don't even reconize my self in the the mirror and I never realized how much the weight was holding me bac****il it saw gone. Thanks to julie for telling me about this site, i would never have known. See ya Anthea
My name is Kim. I live in Woonsocket with my husband of 2.5 years and our 2 bulldogs, Bailey and Gracie. I have 2 boys Brandon and Travis , who are grown, and 2 step-daughters Amanda and Rachael who are here every other weekend. I have been overweight all my life but really cranked it up after I turned 40. I've been on more diets and spent so much money on diets I'm embarrassed to say!!! I started thinking about WLS after my beautiful grandaughter, Emma, was born. I want to be an active part of her life and I know that won't happen at this weight-5'6", 226lbs. I work as and emergency room nurse and love my job but my weight is making it difficult to be my best-I'm in pain and I'm always tired!!! I finished all my pre-ops and have an appt. with Amy,Dr Sax RNP, next Tuesday and hope to be submitted for insurance.I love the people that 'I've met so far on this board and at meetings. II haven't enjoyed life in such a long time because I feel too tired to participate-it sucks!!! I want to enjoy life again and do things with my family. I can't wait to be a loser-never thought I'd say that!!! Anyway, that's me~~~~~~~~Kim
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