Hello! Introducing myself

Hello People! My name is Doug, I'm 39 and I am from Albion, NY. I have a family of 6 - 3 step daughters and one daughter of my own. I have no excuse for the way I am except I eat far too much and far too often...PERIOD. I'm eating myself to death. I'm an over the road truck driver and between loads at the truck stops are "all you can eat" buffets. I get that almost every time I stop. I attended a meeting in Lockport, NY with Dr. Anthony Dibenedetto and I am SO jealous of those who have had the surgery! Their testimonies were so wonderful, their "before and after pictures" so breathtaking it was all I could do to keep my eyes dry. No lie. I've been killing myself slowly over the years but when I diet, I yo-yo. About 4 years ago I was 350 lbs, got down to 279 but gained it all back plus 80 lbs. I don't have diabetes yet nor have I had any heart disease YET - BUT if I don't do something about my weight I will have BOTH and even more health problems. Sleep is all but impossible. I hope to be one of those people giving my testimony one day, holding up my largest size pair of underwear ever saying how I've lost 100 or so pounds and I'm going to live a much longer life potentially! Please let me know your story and I have a whole website planned of before and after pictures of me after I have the surgery. I hope I fit in here and can become a helpful inspiration to somebody as Dr. Dibenedetto's patients' and the members here were/are to me. Thank you and I look forward to any replies. Doug Morgan

Doug, Hello and welcome to the NY board. ~Hugs~ So many great people and support here, you will enjoy your time. Congrats on taking this next step in your new journey, many ups and downs but so worth the trip!!! I am 10 months out and down 115 lbs, only 45 more to go until I reach my goal. It slows down but as long as it still is moving I am cool. Please post often and let us know how it is going for you. ~hugs~ Debra P

Hi Debra P (aka Ms Moozy) Thank you for the cyber hug! I needed it! I see what your saying. LOT OF SUPPORT! Congrats on your 115 lbs loss. My first appointment with the Doctor is May 12th with a Dr Schratz it turns out in Dr. Dibenedetto's office. Dr. DiBenedetto said himself he would let Dr. Schratz operate on his Mother. Sounds GREAT. I want to get this weight off BEFORE heart problems develop or diabetes. Thank you for the reply Doug

Hi Doug; I am from Niagara Falls, and I had my surgery on Jan. 9th of this year. I have lost over 60 lbs to date from my highest weight. I had my surgery at Buffalo General by Dr. Forbes. I researched the surgery for over 2 years, but I can tell you that I absolutly believe it was the best thing for me. I know its only been three months, but the life style change is starting to take hold, and I am learning more about what I can eat or not eat all the time. This group is the best for information, and believe me no question is left unanswered. Good luck to you on your journey. Karen

Hi Karen! Niagara Falls? Why that's not far away at all! Your almost next door. You've lost 60 lbs? That around 20 pounds a month. I'd do almost anything to be able to do that (and keep it off). I too believe this is going to be the best thing for me. The life style change is going to be the biggest change/challenge for me it sounds like. I was brought up this way: If you didn't eat 3 pieces of chicken or all your steak and potatoes or at least 3 hot dogs at a meal (after age 10) you were asked "What's the matter? Don't you feel well? Eat some more to get better. Eat good food and PLENTY OF IT!" I obliged that sort of thinking all my life. In 6th grade Mom was packing me 3 sandwiches in my lunch box (Bologna, tuna, salami or something ALWAYS with Velveeta cheese and mayo; Snack Pac pudding or a Twinkie or HO HO with fruit like a banana or apple And I'd get 15 cents cash on occasion for an ice cream from the cafeteria). Thank you for telling me about the life style change. It's going to be tough for me - years of bad habits to break BUT with the support from people like you and Debra P....I can overcome. I've been having this love-hate relationship with food long enough. Doug

Welcome to the boards Doug, you'll find so much wonderful advise and wisdom here your can't even imagine. I'm from the true "upstate NY" myself about 100 miles east of you in Seneca Falls, scheduled to have surgery May 1, 2006. Keep us all posted on your journey.

Hello Ellen L! Thank you for the welcome! I am beginning to feel more and more at home here every time I visit. There is a company in Seneca Falls I think is either called "Pulsi-feeder" or "Gould's Pumps"....Something but I KNOW the company deals in commercial pumps. I was in Seneca Falls last month and took a load of pumps from Seneca Falls to Maryland. I pick up there 5 times a year I'd guess. Your Magic Day Is MAY !st I see! Good Luck and you too keep us posted on your Journey Doug

Hi Doug, Welcome aboard. We're almost neighbors - I live in Rochester, well, Greece to be exact. This is a fantastic board. I don't post everyday but do try to read them all. Wonderful people here who can help answer all your questions or just listen if you need to get something off your chest. I had surgery last May (almost 11 months ago) and have now lost 100 lbs...I've been at a plateau for 4 weeks now but that's okay. In reading one of your replies, I found myself reliving my life too. I come from a family where food is very important. Even to this day my Mom and Dad still offer me pasta, pizza, pasta, subs, pasta, chips, pasta, desserts, and oh yeah, did I mention pasta? Actually I can eat pasta but just a few mouthfuls. I love them dearly but when I decline, I feel like I'm hurting them. Don't get me wrong, they are thrilled with my progress and compliment me all the time. I'm trying to get through to them that I can survive without all the food I used to eat. And you know what - I can - life is great and I feel so much better now. No more knee or back aches and the best part is I feel so much healthier. You will too. I also have no diabetes or heart problems but my Mom has both - my decision to have WLS was largely based on my lack of desire to "get" diabetes or have a stroke. It's the best decision I've ever made and I think 99.9% of the others who post here will agree. I'll let you go but once again, Welcome, great to have you aboard. Cindee 310/210/???

Hello Cindee Ahhhh, Greece! Go there all the time. I shop at the Big and Tall man shop in the Maplewood Plaza I think it's called on the south side of RT104. I haven't been able to buy pants at Wal-Mart for quite some time. Congratulations on your success of weight loss! I want to be able to say that same thing one day..."I lost 100 Lbs" But this time I'll really keep it off! Sugary seems so far off. I have my first Dr. Appointment on May 12th. As far as the health problems go for me - My main thing is 5 years ago I had a bulging disk, had two back surgeries. My left leg and my incision area BURN after just a few minutes on a treadmill. I was obese when I hurt my back, BUT IF I can get the weight off I may be able to move around so much better to get that much needed exercise and free up the stress on my lower back. Thank you for the warm welcome! Doug

Hi Doug, Welcome! and be blessed--you're going to love the people here--they are supportive before , during and after the weight loss journey! Keep us posted and Have a blessed holiday! Marian S.C.