Female pen pal wanted to help 39yo divorced parent decide on WLS

Hi! My name is Karen. I am 39 years old, a divorced mother of a teenage daughter, and considering WLS after years of obesity and dieting. I have many questions, and looking for as much information as I can get before I decide to call the bariatric specialist I had seen 6 months ago who initially made this a more "aggressive" option for me. At that time I did not feel ready, and since have made 2 more failed attempts at losing weight through dieting. Now, as usual, I have gained more back than the little bit I had lost. If you are reading this, I am guessing you know all about these trials, and just how frustrating and emotional this problem can be. I would like a penpal who I can talk this thru with, one who may be or has gone through making this decision, possibly one in the same situation I am as a single parent.

Hi Karen, My name is Lee Ann, I'm 37 and 6yrs post-op. I'm not a single parent but I have 2 daughters. I understand the frustration and confusion you're going through. Mine was a little different. Back in 1998 very few people were having the surgery. My family and friends had never heard of it and therefore, no support. If you would like me as a penpal my e-mail is [email protected] All the best to you. Lee Ann (:

Hi I am also a single parent of a 15 yr old boy. I had my surgery on Feb 4th and can honestly say at this point it is the best decision I ever made for myself. I am 46 and have diabetes, sleep apena, fibromyalgia, polycystic ovarian disease, and have been over weight all my life. I had the LAP procedure this is the way to go if you can the healing time is so much less. I was out of the hospital in 2 days and felt great the surgery itself had little or no pain I have been walking and will start Curves on Monday now that I have the release from the Dr. My son did not want me to have the surgery because he didn't want me to die, I included him in every step of the process and he went to some appointments with me he never though would come out and tell me that it bothered him til finally one night and we talked the met the Dr. and PA and everything was explained to him and I also let him be at the hospital the day of surgery to see I was going to be OK. I told him that there was a 98% chance I would not die and a 83% chance I would not be diabetic anymore Odds I had to take and I can say I went into the hospital on 2000mg of glucophage, 45 mgs actos and 2 insulin shots all for diabetes and I am now only on 500mgs of glucophage and my PCP thinks I will be off that in about another month. I would like to help you if I can. Nancy