New Girl

Good evening all - just wanted to introduce myself, and say thanks for all of the greats posts and support on this forum.

My name is Chris, I'm a 51 year old wife, mother & grandmother from Wichita Falls, TX.  I am scheduled to have RNY surgery on September 17th - I start my pre-op diet tomorrow.

Having WLS is something I never thought I would ever need to have - 18 months ago I weighed 126 pounds and BMI of 21.6 - today I weigh 225 and BMI of 38.6.

This sudden gain is the result of a respiratory condition I have been battling for the last 20 years or so - and was finally diagnosed with a disease called BOOP or COP last November. I have been taking large doses of steroids, sleeping little, snacking like there was no tomorrow - and unable to exercise - any physical activity sends my lungs into a tailspin and I end up in the ER with pneumonia - fun...

But, I learned in April 2012 I need to have surgery to stop acid reflux from spilling into my lungs and complicating everything - mainly making it virtually impossible to respond to the medication.

Needless to say, getting used to the weight, and they way people look at me - most people I haven't seen in several months don't even recognize me - and if they do, they are embarrassed to talk to me or maybe they are just unsure what to say...an uncomfortable situation to say the least!  Most days, I feel like the lead character in a Stephen King novel!  :)

Anyway, I believe God has a plan for us all - and I believe I needed to gain this weight because per the 3 surgeons I've seen, gastric bypass is the only way to stop the reflux ...so if I had not gained the weight I would not be able to have the surgery - and cure my other health problems.

I am so thankful for this site and all of the positive words everybody has to share.

Welcome Chris!

I'm also new, been here a little over a month. I had surgery on Aug.15. I'm 57 still have one 16 year old at home and a 19 year old in college. Sorry to hear about your disease. I pray that the surgery will help you with your health problems. My hot flashes have stopped and I don't have headaches like I use too. As a newbie here at the OFF I can say that everyone is so kind and helpful. The support you get in here is amazing. I found during the pre-op diet, that when I would start questioning myself and I was really hungry I would post here and everyone would help me thru it. On your pre-op is it full liquid or can you have a lean dinner. I was very lucky and was able to eat a small meal at dinner as long as it was 300 calories or less. Some one here suggested to ask my doctor about the meal. I did and that small dinner helped so much.

Looking forward to getting to know you!

Debbie

Thank you Debbie - I'm looking forward to getting to know you guys as well.

I can actually have some "food" on my preop diet - choices are light yogurt, fruit in it's own juice and/or oatmeal and soup broth.  Then I have 2 low end protein drinks - like Adkins, and 1 full power protein drink after supper.  So I'm thinking it won't be too bad.  I'm just willing and ready to whaeve I need to at this point.

Hi Chris,
Welcome,  As Debbie said, this is a very loving supportive forum.  I didn't have to do a pre-op diet because my surgeon did an open procedure.  Recuperation was just a little longer, but I would not change a thing.

Feel free to post your joys and frustrations.  My surgery was six years ago last Tuesday.  

Hugs,
Trish

Hi Chris!  And welcome fellow Texan!  I'm sorry for everything you've gone through, but happy a solution is at hand for you.  Come and post here daily.  We will help you all we can.  There's lots of good advice and wisdom on this board.  Don't be afraid to access it.

Thank you guys so much! 

Hello Chris and WELCOME to OFF!!!!!

It is always wonderful to have new members!!

I wish you the very best with your surgery. So sorry about your health issues. This should help a lot!!

Plase feel free to ask any questions, nothing is too silly to ask. We love to help each other!

Hope to see you here often!!

HUGS....connie d

 Welcome Chris,
Im Carla from Florida but Im in Colorado for a bit now. Im going back to Florida in a few weeks. Im recovering from Hernia surgery. I went back to my surgeon that did my RNY 10 years ago. I started at a whopping 285 but at surgery time I was 267. I am now 135 I think. I have no appetite now. So eating is a chore!!!! Not sure what is up with that. Ill surely find out on Wednesday when I go for my follow up.
Im sure you will loose your weight in no time.
Post often we are a wealth of knowledge.
Carla