I really need someone to share this journey with me.

Hello out there. My entire family is against this surgery. You would think that there would be someone who would say go for it girl. They all say they will support me afterwards as much as they can but that if I just push back from the table and get out there and exercise I can lose the weight on my own. I just need someone to talk to to encourage me and maybe someone I can encourage too. I have a girlfriend who had the surgery in July and she looks so awesome she is already down to a size 12 and that's fitting really loose on her. I am so happy for her, but I need more friends at different stages of the surgery. Please anyone who is interested in being penpals with a girl from down in Georgia drop me a line @ [email protected].

My family also doesn't agree with me. If it wasn't for my hubby and his side of the family, I would be going through this with no family support. My parents say that I am just being lazy and I haven't tired to loose the extra, well I have been to now 5 doctors about my weight. My wonderful loving hubby of almost 3 yrs told me to do what I thought that I need to do to be with him for as long as I can. I don't see why family cant just support you and not say anything, I know that they have their opinions but sometimes you just don't want to hear them. My father is also overweight and I would have thought that if anyone would understand it would be him, but I got a surprise there he first words were don't do it you wont like it!!!!!!!!! How does he know?????? GOD ONLY KNOWS...... Just to give you some ideas on me ....... I'm 22 weight is 293 and I am 5'5 I have diabetes borderline high blood pressure sleep apnea severe lower back pain. Let me know if there is anything else I can help you I am just getting started but I might be able to help if not I will find the answers you need.. Amanda Roby [email protected]

Sharmeeka, I went to having no support to having alot on this site. I am 16 months out and would love to help and encourage you, just email me at [email protected] I have lost 180lbs so far with 30 to goal. Take care and hope to hear from you soon. God bless, Sherry

are dates are real close need to have a penpal who can check and see if they can help with my issues too god bless Trish

I would be glad to be a penpal ... I'm in IN, had surgery 10-6-04, (lap Roux-N-Y), lost 130 lbs so far .... Only thing is, I may not get on the message boards much .. but you can reach me by emailing me. ...and to anyone else too ... feel free to email me. Susan 288/158/150?

Hi Shameeka, I'd be glad to be as much encouragement as I can to you as you embark on your journey. My mother was at first very opposed and worried because she did not want to see anything happen to me and she still worries if I have any little complaint. People do not understand that moving away from the table and exercise are not the issue. I spoke with an endocrinologist back in 1997 when I was considering WLS and he told me point blank that metabolic and genetic factors are the root causes of morbid obesity and he said that the average person no matter how high their caloric intake will not become 300 pounds or more and I was at about 385 at that time. He gave me a letter of approval for the surgery but shortly afterwards I went through a divorce and had no insurance. I believe that people don't understand the pain of obesity if they have never experienced a weight problem so their level of sensitivity is tainted by the stereotypes that we eat all the time and if we stop eating so much or start exercising then we could lose weight. Its not that easy because if it were then nobody would be suffering from obesity. Stay strong and focused and try to go to support meetings in your area because you will meet pre and post op's who will also encourage you. Also remember that this will improve your health and if a doctor told you to treat another illness such as cancer would your family tell you not to get lifesaving treatment? This surgery has been a lifesaver to many and has helped many including myself to rid themselves of problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea just to name a few so put yourself and your health first and I wish you all this best. Prycey Lady RNY 2/2/05 373/236/??