New Girl trying to make some friends.

Hi guys,

My name is Kia, I'm 20 years old and studying the information about bariatric surgeries. I'm about 315 pounds right now and 5"2'. I'm looking into the lapband proceedure but really am just trying to figure out how to get healthy again. I've got type 2 diabetes, poly cystic ovarian syndrome and breathing problems right now and its getting really scary being at the weight I'm at. I've been really sick and I'm tired of it.

I want to be healthy and happy and I'm hoping to meet some friends on here who share the same goals. I moved back down to Tennessee after a couple years in Maryland when my parents got divorced and my only friend for a long time was a 95 pound goth who thought she was fat. I finally got too upset with her refusal to get help together. *obviously for the opposite thing* and although I was ready to turn my life around she insisted she didn't want or need help to get fatter. I decided that I needed to focus on my own problems and that if there was any chance of helping others I had to help myself first. My sister is very supportive and she has helped me research the different procedures.

I'm kind of scared about the idea of surgery. And I'm currently in between jobs but have orientation at Target on Friday so that will soon change. I'm really hoping my dad's insurance will cover the procedure but I don't know if I would be able to cover the costs of any remaining balance.

Anyway, I hope to meet some of you soon!

Kia

Hi Kia,

I had surgery right before I turned 24. I'm now 26. It was the best thing I could have ever done. I had RNY on April 11,2006 and lost 175lbs before having a baby. I originally wanted the lap band but researched and researched and finally decided that the RNY was the right procedure for me. At any rate, I just wanted to say hi and to welcome you. I saw that your post had several views but no one replied...we're a friendly bunch..at least most of us are ;-) Hope to see you posting. If you have any questions or just want to talk..send me a message. Good luck working at Target...it is one of my favorite stores lol!

April

Welcome, Kia!  You will find people in all stages of WLS (from doing research to BIG LOSERS). 

I have found this site a life saver during the planning of my surgery.

Good Luck!

Hi Kia,
My name is Melissa (#3 on this forum).  I was 38 when I had RNY on Jan. 14th of this year.  I was at 281lbs at 5'3".  I had the co-morbidities to go along with being fat (I hate the word obese).  Mine were high blood pressure, osteoarthritis in knees, swelling in feet and ankles and borderline diabetic.  I also chose to get healthy.  I instantly chose the gastric bypass.  Never even considered the lapband.  It's been the best decision I ever made concerning my health.  You've done your research.  You just have to decide which is right for YOU!  Surgery is scary but if you go into it knowing all about it and what to expect afterwards then it won't be so bad.  This surgery made my 13th time having some type of surgery.  Yes I was a little scared but I kept telling myself that I was going to be fine.  I had a wonderful doctor and hospital staff and my wonderful husband there to take care of me.  I have never once regretted having this surgery.  I only wish I had done it 15 years ago!!

Welcome to the board and good luck on your new job!

Melissa#3

Hi, Kia. I saw your post earlier today but I was at work and kinda busy. Plus I don't come out of the woodwork too often these days!  It's very nice to have you here, first.  I hope you find the information you are looking for to help make a decision for surgery.  

 I had RNY gastric bypass twenty one months ago. I was 251 lbs, and now I am 120-123 depending on what day of the week it is! LOL.  My lowest was 116 but I was too thin and I feel better at this weight.  I had a kidney stone and while in the ER I realized that I had no fat on my body in case I got sick.  So I decided I wanted to remain under 125 lbs.  

I am happy that I had wls.  I did have problems: dehydration, stricture, gall bladder, kidney stones, and then plastic surgery was the 5th hospital stay that I had as a result of gastric bypass.  but I would do it again.  for me it was a great chance to change my life in all areas.  I feel healthier, stronger, more energetic, and now have a boyfriend.  I did it for health reasons but it feels good to be able to shop at Goodwill and buy tiny clothes... . or to pick out an outfit from a brand name shop such as Ann Taylor and then go remake it much cheaper on my own and feel stylish.  I like my life!

 

Again, welcome and feel free to join in. 

Hi Kia! Welcome to the TN board! Folk here are so friendly and helpful. They supported me and my quest for over year. I contemplated WLS for over 10 yrs and finally "bellied" up LOL I think my WLS surgery saved my life. Though I didn't have many comorbidities, I had was diabetic as well. Note... WAS. My sugars are normal now and I no longer take meds.  You are so young with a life ahead of you. My only regret is that I waited so long but in my case I think it was just timing.

I completely get the whole best friend thing.  My best friend was big too though not as big as I was. I wanted her on board but she just never came around.  She lost weight but it was due to the stress of a bad marriage.  Somehow, she thought her way was better?! I sadly ended my friendship with her because I needed people who were supportive around me. The meanest thing she said was "If you can't do it with diet and excercise, how do you think you can do it with surgery". Within a couple weeks, the friendship was done.

I had RNY and my reason was that I was so big (370 lbs) and I felt as though it was the tool I needed to drop the most weight. Seeing as I had so much to lose and that it was more permanent. Not that lap band isn't but I felt I needed something more restrictive. I'm right at 2 months out and have lost 68 lbs now.

I won't tell you it's easy. You have some bad days. I'm still at that point where I'm very fatigued. However, even with that, the good far outweighs the bad. I feel so much better and am able to do things I couldn't do before. I wish you lots of blessings in your journey and am here if you need anything.