Another Newbie Introducing Herself!

Hi All!

My name's Gloriann. I found this website through a friend at work when I told her that I was going to be getting the Gastric Bypass Surgery. I've been reading through posts on different forums for a week or two and really find that I can relate to the folks on here the best.

A little about me ~

I am 30 yrs old. Single mom of a beautiful, goofy, sweet 5 year old boy. I have been extremely overweight my entire life, and over 400# since the beginning of high school. I have been considering WLS for years but have never taken the plunge for one reason or another (mostly $$ and denial from insurance). I lost about 100 lbs after the birth of my son but as I've slowly gained it all back plus some my body hurts more and more every day. When I realized that I had gotten to the 500# mark I knew that I couldn't do this anymore. I needed to make the big decision and pursue WLS once and for all. Luckily this time my insurance company has accepted me in to their program and I am well on my way! I know that because everything with insurance has worked out so smoothly this time around that it IS the right time to do this.

So far I have lost about 30# (enough for my insurance to give me a referral to a surgeon) and I have my consultation with them next Friday. Also, as part of the insurance program requirement I have been working with a nutrition counselor.

Over the last couple weeks I've realized that I definitely have a binge eating disorder and that I will have to address that and get started working on the head stuff right away if I want to be successful in the long term.

I am both excited and scared about the journey, but I am embracing it and I know that It will benefit me and my son's life immensely. I can't wait for the new life that that awaits me, the one that I have always longed to live!

Looking forward to getting to know you all!

Welcome!  I am so glad you have started down this road.  It is not easy and there are times when you will ask WTF have I done to myself.  Those times are greatly outweighed by the times when you feel positive and excited about life.  I have just lost 21 pounds in a little less than a month. Most of that was from my pre op diet phase.  I am excited about life in a way that I wasn't before.  I know that the embarrassment and pain is going to be in the rearview before I know it.

Welcome!! I am also a single mom. Mine were 4 and 6 when I had my surgery. I knew I had to be around to raise them to adulthood plus kids are cruel and I did not want them teased for having a fat mom (I was always the fattest mom in the room by far so I definitely stood out). Not having a dad was a hard enough burden for them to bear. I was not going to add to it by being fat. Just looking and my kids beautiful faces keeps me motivated everyday. You can do it, too!! Keep the faith!!

Welcome! Great place with great people.  Best advice I can give is get involved here (and MFP when you start logging food) and make friends.  It has made all of the difference in my journey!!!

Oh yeah! I never thought about adding people to MFP. I am on there if anyone would like to add me! I think my user name is Glow2182 over there too!

Welcome!

welcome to the group.  I can see from your pictures what you'll look like thin, you are going to be a complete knock out.  You're definitely a natural beauty.  Lucky you!

Awwww! I was feeling a little crummy this morning until I read this! You just brightened my whole day right there! Thanks!

Welcome! You will find great support and motivation here.  Good luck on your journey and keep us posted with your progress. Congrats!