***Newbie***

Hi. I'm new to OH and just looking to vent a little right now. I'm 27. I have 3 healthy kids. I feel like I'm healthy but I know that I'm not. I dont have asthma, or any sleep problems but I'm starting to notice little things. Or better yet, they're being pointed out to me by my mother. My knees hurt sometimes. My back hurts. I dont get enuff exercise (although I do live on the 5th floor of a walkup building). I have 3 kids so I do have some amout of activity going on constantly. But my weight is an issue. I have lost weight on my own a couple of times. Dont really know how. Just did. When I did, it felt good. I could buy clothes that made me look good and that made me feel even better. I'm embarrased by my weight. Having it constantly pointed out to me by my mother honestly just makes it worst. It doesnt make me want to do anything. I just tune her out after awhile. I want to lose weight but its not because of her. Its for me. And call me shallow, its because I want to be a skinny ***** too. lol. Truthfully, I just want to be able to go buy me some regular jeans and know the name on the tag. I want to be able to go to a store and pick me out a cute jacket or winter coat and know I'll be able to fit it. Half the time, I'm too embarrased to try it on in the store because I know it wont fit even when its a 3X or 4X. I have really big upper arms and boobs. Once I deal with the weight loss, I'll deal with the breast reduction. One step at a time. lol.

Who else is just beginning this journey? Maybe I can shadow you along your ride. Where do I begin? What should I expect? I'm scared. I'm scared of any surgery or major procedure. I dont want to die. But I dont want to die from being obese either.

Many of us were in your shoes when we started this journey...  I would start by talking to your Primary care doctor. What is your BMI?  Most insurance companies want you to have a BMI of at least 40.  You probably meet those guidelines...  Do a lot of research on the different types of surgeries - RNY, LapBand, DS and VSG.  There is lots of information right here on OH.  I read a great book before my surgery called "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies".  It gave me tons of great information.  Well that is just a few ideas on where to start...
I wish you lots and lots of good luck!

Welcome to the OH Family!  Your emotions are normal and I applaud you for deciding to take a look at WLS.  I wish you the best as you embark on your journey.

Lezaria, I can relate to EVERYTHING you said!  I sit here, replying, with tears running down my face, because I've been there!  I'm 63 yrs. old. My entire life, I was overweight, with family members making cruel comments, such as my grandmother saying, "Tootie, you have such a beautiful face, but you are fat".  Meal time was NOT a fun time, as everything I ate, I felt guilty.  I tried every diet, including starvation. Each time I'd lose weight, I'd gain it back, plus more. Now here I am at 63 and just had the lapband. If only I had done this, before now. You are so right, YOU DO THIS FOR YOU, not for anyone else!!!!!  I know what it's like to go to stores, try on clothes, and be disappointed, once again, going home and eating. Usually I'd stop somewhere before getting home, eating there, too!  When I was 27, they didn't have this, you are so fortunate that you have it, now!  The difference between WLS and a diet, with a diet, you have choices, you can cheat, as I so well know,and did, all my life.  I don't feel I have those choices now, as I certainly didn't have the surgery, to cheat, but to provide myself with a better quality of life.  I want to live to see my grandsons grow, get married and provide me with great-grandchildren!  Honey, please, if you don't hear anything I've said, hear this:  DON'T WAIT TILL YOU ARE 63 TO DO THIS!  DO IT NOW, FOR YOURSELF, the most important person in your life.  You have to take care of yourself to be able to take care of anyone else.  I can understand how your mom feels, as she loves you so much and it hurts her to see you going down the same trail she did!

I may live in Md., and you in N.Y., but I'm here for you, as so many of us are!  We all know your journey!
Ginger

First, I would like to welcome you to OH. This sounds like it may be the first step to a healthier you. Congrats! I can definitely relate to your post in so many ways!
As a mom, I can understand too. I have a 14 year old who is over weight. Up until my surgery I didnt talk to her about her weight, but once I was approved for my surgery, it happened. She wanted to know about the surgery & be involved which led to us discussing her weight. From a moms point of view, we dont try to nit-pick or put down, even though it usually sounds like that......we care, we love, and we try to protect our young anyway we can. Dont be too mad at your mom, she is just doing all the aforesaid things! 
Anyway.....again, ewlcome to OH & feel free to ask any questions you have!

PS....I do know your mom thru the Maryland Board :)

Hi Lezaria.......I had to blink for a second, because I thought I just pretty much wrote that story!  Ours is so similar!  Except I'm a little ahead of you in the process now.  I just had RNY last month after much research and prayer.  I am so glad that I did.  I'm older than you, but felt the same way.  I thought I was in pretty good health overall.  But as the months and years rolled on, things began to add up.  It got to be one problem and ailment after another.  It started with the added weight month after month, the aching knees from the weight, back problems, then comes the elevated dreaded numbers..............blood pressure, blood sugar levels, bmi.......you know the numbers!  It wasn't getting any better, just worse the more weight I logged on.  I too have big "girlz" to deal with!  I tried unsuccessfully for years to have a breast reduction but was never approved.  I was told both times to lose the weight and they will get smaller.

Well, I had the surgery just 6 weeks ago and I'm down over 40 lbs, 2 dress iszes and down to a DDD from a GG bra size!  .......I'm sure that by the time I reach goal, I will not need to revisit breast reduction at all.

It's amazing how that happened.  I think I'm more excited about the girlz shinking than the weight loss!  I understand your apprehension about surgery.  We've all had it, but believe me, it's twice more horrifying in your head than actuality.  You've given birth to 3 kids!  This is a cakewalk.  Very minimal discomfort for such an entire new outlook on your life and better health.

I wish you well in your journey and for bettr health!

Janice

Welcome to OH and just know that this is not an easy route but a rewarding route at the end.

hello and welcome to oh i am a little older then you well 10 years and also had surgery 4 years ago. this is the first step any questions you may have fell free to ask i can be of some help to you again welcome.
Shelene

Welcome to OH! I just had RNY 2 weeks ago, so I'm a beginner, but your story sounded so much like mine. I too grew up with the parents who were always pointing out my weight. They weren't malicious and always have been my biggest fans, but it still hurt nonetheless. It's a tough decision to make and it is no way easy, but I'm confident that it will be worth it. 

Start with researching the different surgeries and then make a consult with a surgeon. Like I said, I had surgery 2 weeks ago and it was much easier than I expected. The pain was tolerable and I only needed pain meds for a couple of days. 

If you have any questions or anything, I'd be happy to answer them for you. Good luck on your journey.

I just wanted to welcome you to OH.  I know your mom from the Maryland Board and believe me when I say that I've been there done that with my own mother.  Believe that she truly loves you and is just trying to prevent you from going down the same path that she has been down.  It doesn't make it hurt any less really, but it is the truth!

Welcome,
Heather