Let me introduce myself

Hi all. This is pretty much my first time posting to this board. My name is Rhonda and I am Erin's partner. I have seen how much support and love she has gotten from this board during her process of getting the surgery and after. I thought it was time for me to start posting, as I too, have begun my journey to become a loser. I have been researching the surgery for myself for almost as long as Erin has. But I was denied by my insurance the first time around and got discouraged. Now, however, the insurance is paying for the surgery and the hospital I work for (owned by the same corporation as the insurance company) is opening a bariatric surgery center. We are in the process of building a brand new hospital and that is one of the things in the works. The president of the hospital was even talking about it at a meeting my supervisor went to, and has mentioned how excited she was that they have had a few employees look into the surgery there. So, at this point, I've had my psychological evaluation and will be receiving a letter from my therapist that I am a perfect candidate, and have my weight history for all of the past five years except 2001 and 2002. I just need to see one more doctor to get those weights and I'll be good to go. I have to go to a seminar with the surgeon on Valentine's Day and it should go quickly after that. I'm excited.

Rhonda, Welcome! I an encouraged, that you have seen what your partner went though and are not discouraged. I recently had the surgery, and am currently on a plateau, but I have lost 127# (more pre-op than post op...so far) and am happy to be getting into clothes that come from real stores, not internet catalogs with "estended sizes." I was able to go down the stairs one foot at a time (instead of two steps for every stair) today, so I feel better about my fitness level. You are making a positive, positive step for your health in joining Erin along the journey. Maureen

Welcome Rhonda

Hi Rhonda, Glad you found us!! You've got so much to look forward to, and I'm so happy to hear you've got Erin there to support you. Come visit us often, and tell us what's going on in your life. I can't wait to hear when you get a 'date'. Email if you need anything, or if I can support you in any way. I'm not getting surgery, as my insurance denied me twice. So I'm doin' it myself, and to the tune of 55# since June of last year. Slow but sure... Anyhew---Welcome!! Jessica

Welcome Rhonda! It's so wonderful to have you here. Please keep us posted and let us know when you get your date. Hi to Erin! Rosa

Hi Rosa. I am so glad to have my partner getting this surgery too. We will help each other in the process. Hope you are doing well. Take care Erin

It's so much easier when your partner has gone through everything too. I would not have survived the hospital (figuratively of course!) if it had not been for her. She was right there for me through thick and thin. Good luck to you!!! -Cheri