I'm A Newbie

Some of you may remember me, or my daughter Karyn Renee who had surgery and was on this board alot between 11/05 and 5/06.  I am now  beginning to put the wheels in motion to have WLS. It took me over a year to come to this decision. I am scared and excited at the same time.  Karyn got a trememdous amount of support from this group and I hope to get the same, while doing the same for others in my shoes.  I am 54 years old and I have been battling weight for 40 years. I'm depressed at how much I have gained and am now at my peak weight. I am disgusted with myself and I don't feel well. Everything is an effort. I cry alot. I want to be healthier and more energetic.  Just wanted to say hello and re-introduce myself. Looking forward to sharing experiences with all of you.

WELCOME.. You will find all the support you need here, all the members are incredibly helpful. I come here everyday, even if I don't post, I read and always come away feeling good. Enjoy your journey, and get ready for the ride of your life. How has your done with her surgery? It will be great to have someone who has been there to help you along. Good luck Lynn

Thank you for your response Lynn. I appreciate the welcome and the support.  Karyn is doing well.  She has lost a total of 175 lbs.  She looks great!  I am very new to this and full of questions.  Its nice to know that I can be amongst those who want to share it all.  Jeanine

I wasn't around when your daughter was posting here, but hello   I hope your daughter is doing great with her weight loss & congratulations on making your decision.  Its a rough choice to make, I thought hard about it for 3 years before I decided to go for it and sometimes I still wonder.   Its nice to meet you and I look forward to hearing about your progress.  Best Wishes! Jenn

Thank you for the introduction.  I know that Karyn said the support she got here was the best, so here I am!  I don't know how to set up alot of this stuff, but I am trying.  You all have such cute things on your posts..I will need to learn it all.  How long since you had the surgery and how is it going so far?  Jeanine

I haven't had it yet but I am scheduled for next month.  I've been on a pre-op diet for a little more than three months because the doc wanted me to lose 40-70 lbs to make laparoscopic surgery a safer option.  I weigh in tomorrow to see if I've lost at least 40, which I think I have.  I'm sure we, and the people on the main board get a lot of questions about it, can help you with the cute things :)

Hi and welcome to the over 50 BMI board.  Please know that we all know how you feel. It's a scarey thing to put yourself out there and do it for you own health and well-being.  I too had my surgery after I helped my son through his (2 years later).  Believe me, it's a whole other story coming from being the mom of the paitent to being the paitent yourself.  I think I was in denial for allot of years about my weight.  I just wish I could have/would have had this surgery when I was younger...I do feel like I've taken a drink from the "fountain of youth" sometimes.  I have loads more energy and I see life with a newer perspective then I ever had before.  The wonder begins when the first person stops you or starts to cry when they see you..and just can't believe it's really you!!!  Just don't do what I have done, and start apologizing for not losing as much as you "should have" or as much as so-and-so did.  Feel free to keep in touch and let's keep that ball rolling!  How is your Karyn doing?  Tell her we miss her and to stop by and dish.  Welcome,welcome, welcome..didn't catch your nane "Karyn's mom?" Hugs and smiles "James' mom"...aka Ginger

Hi Ginger, I am Jeanine.  Thank you for your response.  Sometimes I fear they wont approve me because I will be 55 in October. Do they help people in that age category?  God, I hope so.  My primary MD is fine with it.  I have type 2 Diabetes & High blood pressure.  Also, arthritis is getting worse and shortness of breath when I try and do anything!  I HATE IT!  I will tell Karyn to stop by and check in.  She is making alot of changes in her life.  How do I get that BMI scale at the bottom of your post?  While waiting for all the BS paperwork, my doctor has me on Byetta to help lose some weight on my own first.  That stuff works great!  Thanks again for posting back.  Jeanine

HELLO THER,          I DO IN FACT REMEMBER RENEE.. I AM SO GLAD SHE IS DOING GREAT... TELL HER SHE BETTER DROP IN EVERY NOW AND THEN.... WE LOVE TO SEE HOW SOME OF THE OLDIES ARE DOING LOL... IM OLDIE IN AGE AND WLS LOL.... AND YOU ARE SO BLESSED TO HAVE SOMEONE RIGHT THERE WITH YOU THAT HAS BEEN THRU ALL THIS... SO GET THOSE WHEELS A TURNING AND IT WILL BE YOUR TURN BEFORE YOU KNOW IT...SO WELCOME ABOARD....

HUGS MARGE

Thank you Marge.  Karyn is busy with college and making many changes in her life.  I will encourage her to come aboard and fill you all in.  She looks amazing and is my role model.  I am so happy she had it done young instead of going thru what I am.  I look forward to sharing and caring with you.  Jeanine