New Here and need all the help I can get

for Nova Scotia, when it comes to a referal, your main dr sends it to a specialist then you are waiting to get a letter from the hospital the dr is in on when the appt will take place. I have a dr that is a specialist and for me a wait time for appts is normally 6 months sometimes longer. As for the weightloss surgery we only have a few doctors and the wait list when I was first referred was 8 yrs, now they are down to 2700 days from day of referal to consulation. We don't have the best medical, private insurance doesn't cover it and the province does but only by going this route. With my hubby, I know his heart is in the right place but as I have told him I need to do this for me and he just needs to let me go, I will wither somewhat succeed or fall on my face trying but up to me to pick myself back up...I am going to try, because I need to be better for me :)

Ohhh- knowing your location makes more sense about how this process goes for you. 

Trying is the start, get consistent with it and you'll have outcomes!

I started at 347 pounds and a 57 BMI.  I also had given up many times in my life.  The problem seemed just to overwhelming and insurmountable.  I was also a food addict -- I loved to eat.  I was scared to give up that joy in my life.

I am now 132 pounds with a 22 BMI.  Life is a lot different -- and mostly to the wonderful. 

My husband is also tall and athletic -- thin actually.  He has always loved me -- at 347 and now at 132 pounds.  But truthfully, I am more of a real partner to him now.  

I wish you luck on your journey whatever you should decide.

Can I ask what you have done to get down to where you are now....My hubby (or bunny as I call him haha) loves me no matter...and that is what I want, you said it perfectly to be more of a partner to him...I remember last week I felt very sore under my stomach and of course it hangs and I can't see it, I wiped with a cloth out came blood so I knew I needed him to check...I hated asking him and him seeing, but he cleaned it up and put polysporin on it, I must have scratched, but I was so embarrassed, I just laid on the bed hand over my eyes trying not to be upset and he came over and said please don't be upset, I would do anything for you...made me more upset. I know he stands by me no matter what I just want to make sure I am here with him many more years to come.

I had gastric bypass surgery on New Year's eve two years ago.  After my surgery, I worked with an eating disorder counselor to deal with my relationship with food and my food addictions.  I ate less than 800 calories a day/more than 80 g of protein a day/less than 40 grams of carbs during my weight loss mode.  I weighed and measured all my food.  I walk every day -- I belong to the YMCA but mostly to take my son for swimming classes, etc -- but I do use the gym during that time a couple days a week.   I am not into exercising.

I have had similar experiences with my husband.  After my c-section, he literally had to wipe my butt.  i felt so ashamed -- but it never ever seemed to bother him. But, I will tell you, being able to run, walk, and DO things with him is a wonderful feeling.  I am FULLY THERE now -- and I am ever so much healthier.  Part of loving someone is being healthy as possible to be there as long as possible for them -- it's also really loving yourself.

I don't normally do this, but here's a photo before and in progress a few days ago.  I am still trying to get down a few more pounds.

I sincerely wish you success at whatever you decide to do.  You are worth the effort.  

Ya lookin good girl! You're so teeny, tiny now! lol Luv the photos & your kid looks so happy too. 

You look wonderful, both photos...and I thank you for sharing them with me :)

Kat you look great.

Did you have any sickness after surgery, like nausea or vomiting? Also I was wondering at what point was you able to be active like walking or exercising? I am scheduled for surgery Apr 28th , one minute I get so excited about all the possibilities and then I get so scared that I wouldn't do so well. My emotions are just all over the place...arrgggg

Your feelings are normal.  I had them, too.

I was up and around the day of surgery -- albeit slowly and uncomfortably.  I went back to work teaching on my feet at the university exactly 11 days after my surgery.  I was tired and sore, but I was okay.

I only vomited once after surgery and as a reaction to my anesthesia.  Nausea wasn't ever really an issue for me -- however, I followed all the rules and drank all my water.  I never let myself get dehydrated.

As far as walking for exercise, I started about 3 weeks after surgery.  I was very fatigued after work -- most people find that they have very low energy for a while.  Your body is recovering from major surgery AND not eating very much.  It's tiring.  I started simply by walking down my driveway.  Seriously.  Then, I added half way down my street.  Soon, I was walking a mile easily -- then I started using the treadmill, too.  Now I can run a 5K without even breaking a sweat.  It's crazy.  But, I hate exercise -- 

I wish you every success.  You have a whole lot to look forward to.  I know it's scary, but I promise, it's worthwhile.

Kat, you look damn good!  I haven't seen a recent photo of you.  I admire you so much, not only for your tenacity, but your compassion and humanity