New here... Need some support......

Hey Everyone,
     My name is Natasha and I am working on getting the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.... I have a BMI of 94.... I weigh 550lbs and am 5'4 and I am only 24yrs old.... I am looking for some support from people who had the surgery done or is in the process like me to talk to.... I really need the support... So if there is anyone out there who would like to chat or share there story please feel free... Thank you all..........

Hi Natasha,

Welcome to a great forum.  I had my surgery in April of 08.  I can honestly say it was the best thing I have done for myself.  I hope your journey is smooth.  You have a lot of work ahead of you, but making the decision to go forward with the surgery is one of the biggest hurdles.  Feel free to ask any questions you might have, I would love to help.  

Good luck

Caroline

Thank you so much I need all the support and help as I possibly can get........

First of all, welcome.  This is a great forum and there is a wealth of information here and all kinds of experiences pre-surgery, surgery experience, post-surgery complications, and general day-to-day info.

Natasha, what's your path look like leading up to surgery.  Do you have to lose a percentage of weight before the doctor will attempt?  If so DunnyBoctor had to go through the same thing and she'll be a great help - there are many others that had to do the same but she came to mind first.

Are you certain  your insurance will cover?  What are the requirements?  Documented weight loss trial, etc?

What are you currently doing to prepare yourself both physically and more importantly, mentally to prepare yourself for this life-changing operation?

Well thank you very much.... I honestly am not sure because right now I am doing the blood tests and afew other tests before they even let me see the doctor.... I spoke to my insurance because I have medicaid and yes they will cover all of it because I am very heavy and considered life or death....  I needed 6 months of documented weight loss all the proper tests and referral from my doctor.... Well physically I am eating healthy and trying to do what exercise I can do because I can not walk well.... Mentally I am starting counseling soon to prepare me....... I have been thru 3 seminars...... I am going to start my support groups on august 14th........ So I am pretty much doing ok ..... I just need to support and I would like to learn about other people experiences especially people with high BMI like me...

Hi Natasha! You sure found a good corner of the web for support. The folks here are great and offer fabulous advice. In fact, Kathy's post just above is a prime example.

You've just taken a great step in your journey by coming here and posting.

Welcome!

Thank you so much.... Im glad I did,....

Welcome, Natasha!

At my fattest, I weighed over 600 lbs.  When I began pursuing WLS, I weighed 530 lbs and am 5'5.  My HMO said I was too fat for surgery (my health was really bad, too), but I appealed and eventually had their denial overturned.  The surgeon my HMO contracts with did not want to do surgery unless I lost 10% of my weight.  My HMO worked with my by putting me on a modified Optifast diet (1100 calories a day).  I lost weight so quickly that I'd lost 20% of my weight by surgery day.  I had surgery nearly two years ago and while I haven't made it to my personal goal, I've done pretty darned well.

Why don't you tell us more about your situation and perhaps we can offer advice that can help your specific situation?

I look forward to making room for you on the Losers' Bench!

Kix

Beginning weight: 530 lb
Surgery weight: 407 lb
Current weight: 220 lb  (lowest weight post op was 212 lb, but I was sick for one week and didn't eat)

Well here is alittle about me I have been overweight since I was a child... I weigh 550lbs and I am only 24 yrs old..... I have tried every weightloss program from weigh****chers to prescription weight loss pills and nothing has worked.... So like 3 yrs ago I decided on maybe trying to research surgery and maybe even get it done..... I spent 2 yrs researching and making sure I was ready for this very big decision... I finally decided on what I wanted and I went thru one seminar but then I moved from Ny to FL then when I arrived here I did another seminar in my area and to my knowledge I found out that the doctors didnt except my insurance because I have Medicaid.... Then I found Tampa General Hospital and doctor Michel Murr... So I am in the process of going for my 3rd seminar.... and with doing all of this so many times I decided that the RNY is best for me and so did my doctor.... So within the last couple of weeks I recieved a referral from my doctor saying that it is a health risk my weight and I need the surgery..... I also go on friday for all my bloodwork.....  I want to make sure that I am doing everything right.... I am 100% sure this is what I want to do and I can not wait I am just really scared...... So I wanted to hear everyones stories and maybe even make some friends who can help througout my weightloss journey to becoming a new and beautiful me...... So that is basically my quick story and I hope it gives everyone alittle insight on me and my life....


                                    Natasha

I know that all of these wonderfule woman have had the RNY and are doing wonderful!  I would just like to add...Have you looked into getting the duodenal switch?  My surgery is coming up, but I just want to make sure that you are informed about all of your options.  Check out duodenalswitch.com or visit the DS forum here on OH to find out more information.  It is just another weight loss surgery option available that has amazing results long term for people who start out with high BMI's.

contact me if you have quetions.

Jennifer