new member says "hi'

Hello everyone, my name is judy and I logged on about a week ago. I am going through the beginning process and hopefully will have a date soon. from what i have been reading in the forum, you all seem very knowledgeable about the surgery so i'm sure i'll be in good hands. Like most of you, i have struggled with weight all my life...weighing 200 lbs senior year of high school. 21 years later, 4 kids ( well 5 actually..I'm married), a house and 2 dogs, my weight is now at 317. I can't believe i just posted my weight for all to see...that is probably one of he best kept secrets on the planet! I know that the road ahead of me is long, but i feel pretty confident that i'm gonna meet some really good friends along the way. Feel free to contact me anytime....i work nights so i'm up with the sandman. God bless, judy

Welcome to OH. Believe me, we all know what you are going through and hopefully you will have a surgery date. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask as we are all here for you. Best of Luck, Carla

Thanks carla, I'll post info as I get it. Stay safe & dry today cheers, judy

Hello Judy~ and welcome to the OH family. It is nice to meet you. We have all been where you are right now, wondering how did we get to this weight. It will get better from this point out. I don't know where you live, but I would encourage you to find a local support group so you can get "plugged in" with people who can support you through this journey. There are many questions and concerns you will have through all of this, and a support group is so very helpful! I live in Brick and attend groups in Toms River and Lakewood. Lakewood meets tomorrow night, if you any where near there? I will give you details if you want to try this meeting. Let us know where you live and I am sure we can get you to a group. They make all the difference in the world when you are going through such a big life change. Michelle Brennan

Hi Judy and welcome: You certainly do know what it is all about and you are starting on the most fantastic journey of your life. I am 306 lbs. and I HAVE ALREADY LOST 150, so I know how fabulous this surgery is. Please be active and if you have any questions feel free to post them. Just always remember that what your surgeon tells you is always the best course of action. Good Luck, Jeanne

Hello Judy, I am relatively new to the forum. Rest assured, the members have always been informative, warm and sensitive. I've found it to be not only helpful, but calming. By the middle of May I should be finished with all the testing and hopefully will be approved and then receive a date. This is definitely a journey filled with both anticipation and anxiety. I will be attending my first support group on April 19th. My surgeon will be Dr. Jean-Baptiste. He is located in Plainfield, and is the Bariatric Director @ Muhlenberg Hospital in Plainfield. The support group starts @ 5:30 - 7:30. Not certain where you live and if you can attend since you work nights. But if this does work for you, I will be more than happy to give you directions. Just let me know. Speak with you soon, Clarice

Hi Clarice, I was planning on attending that meeting as well but unfortunately I have my cardiology appt. on the same day at 4:45 in East Brunswick, so it's unlikely that i'll make it to this one. I too was hoping to have a surgery date by mid-May but hit a little bump in the road...an abnormal stress test. So depending on what he says on Thursday....I have a feeling though that I will need some more testing. Whatever he says, i'll do. I'll let you know what happened. I'm looking foward to meeting you, hopefully at the next support meeting! Take care...God bless Cheers, Judy

hi judy i also work nights but because i'm up with the birds i'm in bed as soon as i get home there are very good people here with some very good advice the best of luck to you Roberta

Thanks to all who have said hello. I look foward to talking with all of you. This week is a busy week with doctor appt's so i'll left y'all know whats going on as soon as I know. Thanks again........talk to you later! Cheers, Judy