Looking for Pre/Post WLS Friends in WI!

Hi Everyone! I live Janesville, WI and went to my best friends consult at the Barix Clinic in Belvidere, ILL. That was 3 months ago and now next Thursday (02/09/06) I have my own scheduled! Because I am paying out of pocket (bye bye 401K!) and it looks like I will not need a lot of pre testing, that I will hopefully be able to have surgery before March 1st 2006. It is a start to a new (and VERY different) life and I am excited and anxious to get started. I have been on the OH site daily to educate myself and to get support. The amount of information is overwhelming and invaluable. I was just wondering who else in WI is here and where you are at with your journey. I look forward to hearing from some of you. Take Care, Lucy

Hi I'm from evansville and having trouble with my insurance as well it seems like they try to do everything to get out of paying for this surgery its to bad you have to use your 401k but good luck with the surgery.

Hi again forgot to tell you that if your looking for email buddies feel free to check my profile or contact me Heather

Hi Lucy. I am from Germantown just north of Milwaukee. I am 3 months out and have lost 57 lbs. Just had my 3 mo visit with my surgeon today. I'm in 2 support groups, one with my surgeon's group and one that covers the whole Milwaukee area. I hope there is a group in the Janesville area for you. Besides OH, a local group is invaluable. It is a different life with many new adjustments. I'd be happy to talk to you anytime. Kathy

Hi Lucy I had my surgery one year ago, January 31st. I am down 120 pounds. I was 234 and now I am 114 lbs. Never in my life did I imagine that I would be so little. I have had some issues with my eating, but I am so happy that I had the surgery. I live on the outskirts of Milwaukee right by Oak Creek. I would be happy to share emails with you if you have questions. Good Luck and Ihope your surgery goes verysmooth for you Kathy

Hi Kathy! (2 of you and I want to be sure I didn't miss one of you!!!) 114!!!!!!! WOOOOHOOOO!!! Well, girl, you're a tiny little thing.....how does that feel????? Please tell me what the most exciting thing for you has been...please? Do you have any regrets? Lucy

Hi Kathy, Congratulations on the weight loss! I cannot even imagine getting to that point, but am keeping a positive outlook. It is wonderful to hear about the success's along with the invaluable information! I have found a wonderful group that I am excited to visit. They are right in Edgerton....right down the road. Continued success to you and will watch to see how you are doing. Thank you for the support, it means a great deal. Take Care Kathy! Lucy

Hey Kathy K!!!! I just saw that it was just your Birthday!!!!!! happy birthday to you.......happy birthday to youuuuuuuuu happy birthday to Kathy K who has already lost 57lbs....... happy birthday to youuuuuu.....!!!!! :jump I am NOT a good singer, so you have been spared. I wish you many many more happy, healthy and wonderful more years ahead! Lucy

Thanks for the kind words. It has been a year of unexpected highs and lows. The highs were that I couldn't keep up with my sizes. Everytime I tried to buy something in the store, I needed to go down another size. I just decided not to even buy anything for a while. I went from a 2X or 22 to a size 2/4. I am happy how I look with clothes on, but oh my, I am very scary without clothes. The worst is my chest. I am thinking I am going to have to have surgery on my "girls" sooner rather than later. That is okay though, nothing that a good bra can't fix. I also find that people can be very cruel. When I was heavy people looked at me as if I looked terrible and that I should lose weight but now that I am thin, it seems like they have the license to say whatever they want to me. They can be so cruel. They tell me I am old looking, I am 52. They tell me I look way too thin, they even tell me I am ugly. They are very hurtful. I would never say things to people like I have experienced. You really have to have a tough skin. I will tell you that. As far as my health goes, I am having some trouble with my eating. I get this terrible "slime" in my throat that makes me unable to eat. It is hard for me to eat alot of things. I get all my protein drinks down and it seems like I can eat crunchy things, but other than that, I am having trouble. I have had endoscopies to stretch my opening but that isn't what is wrong. I have GERD and an ulcer. The doctor really is watching me so I don't get too thin. I am close to being too thin. The doctor wants me to gain about 10 pounds and then he will be happy. I am trying to eat but it is pretty hard. BUT....all in all I would have this surgery again. I feel so much better. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromylgia and the pain is so much better without the weight. I wish you all great success in your journeys. The time flies and each time you look at yourself in the mirror just remember how you are taking your life in your hands and doing so much good for yourselves. This is the best thing I could have done, even with the bad curve balls I have been getting. I have big shoulders I can handle it. If any one wants to email me, I would be more than happy to talk to you. Take care Lucy, and good luck. HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATHY K. Have a wonderful day!!!! Kathy 234/114

Just wondering why you chose the Barix clinic? When I was looking into surgery 3 years ago they were one of the most expensive places. I found great care here in Madison with some great discounts since I was a self pay. Just curious. Lori