New here!

Finally got my referral for the 2nd time!

I had an orientation in September 2015 but decided we wanted to have another baby before we went through with everything. Now my baby is 8 months and My new orientation is August 28th. I'm beyond excited to start this process.

Im 22, mom of 2 young boys. I currently weigh 270 and I'm 5'2 . I want to be healthy for them. They deserve a mom who had more energy and isn't embarrassed to take them to the park.

If you could give me any advice about this journey.. what would it be?

Welcome! I haven't had surgery yet, but begin a 6 month evaluation period soon. My husband just had surgery in May, so I'm kind of trying to learn from his process :)

Are you in Canada or United States?

I'm in the US

My advice? Do it. I wish I had a time machine and could go back and do this when my kiddos were younger. You will be able to be so much more active with them! Congratulations on starting the journey.

I would line up some help for home. You might need it at least for a short time with the little one. I picked up a gallon of milk afterwards without thinking and it did not go so well for me. LOL!

Luckily I have my husband who will be taking time off to help. And they will be at daycare most of the day :) thank you for the advice

Hi, welcome, and congrats on your new son!

Like others have said, I'd get help for post surgery. You won't be able to lift your boys for some time post op; I had a "no lifting over 10 Lbs" restriction for quite awhile. Lifting can rupture stitches inside.

Good luck! It's an exciting journey, and in my opinion, totally worth it.

Congratulations on your decision. It's pretty common to back out the first time, so you're in good company. :D

Here is my advice:

• Read everything you can on this site. In the run up to my surgery in 2013, I went as far back as I could on the general and surgery-specific boards. Absorb the success stories and the cautionary tales.
• Do as much independent research as you can. The book WLS For Dummies is a great resource and I read it cover to cover.
• Pay attention at your orientation and don't be afraid to ask questions. Before you go, make a list of questions and review them at the orientation to make sure they were all answered to your satisfaction.
• Don't be afraid to question your surgeon. If you're not comfortable with something, ask questions until you do feel comfortable.
• Be open to suggestions. So many times people will come on the boards under the guise of asking for advice and guidance when they are really seeking reassurance for their less than optimal choices. This usually results in a bout of other people being targeted as "meanies" and "unsupportive" when they are really just refusing to coddle the OP. Don't be one of these people. If you ask for advice, be prepared to be given the requested advice. It's up to you whether you take it or not, but be advised that the people who "pay it forward" here do it of the goodness of their hearts and they truly want to see you succeed.
• If you have ANY issue with alcohol, address it NOW. Even if you're just a social or occasional drinker--cut it out. There is a fantastic cautionary tale on the RNY boards from a few days ago. Read it.
• Start saving for plastic surgery now. If you don't need it, then take the kids on a fabulous vacation.
• Start your vitamin regimen now to get in the habit.
• Take a before picture and your measurements. When you feel like the scale isn't moving, they will serve as reminders as to how far you've come.
• Read the daily menu threads and start building up a list of recipes. Sample some now so you're not completely lost for how to eat post surgery.
• Feel free to come to us with questions, but keep in mind that there is a search function on the site. More often than not, the question you have has been answered before. :D
• Share your success with us and pay it forward yourself!

Good luck to you on your journey! It's scary, but you can do it. :D

Jen