About me.. ^_^

I heard about WLS almost a year ago and was somewhat nervous at the thought of my stomach being re-sized..when I finally sat down a week ago and started reviewing all the sites, I became more concerned about all the possible risks of WLS. But just yesterday (after speaking with a WLS patient), I decided that it's something that I want to have done, and probably need. I'm 18 and around 300lbs. I have been over-weight all my life, and it's time for a change. I have tried every possible diet out there, exercise, everything..but nothing has stuck and worked for me. I was somewhat successful with the Atkin's diet (losing around 30lbs), but the challege was keeping it off, which didn't happen. I continue to gain weight, even though I try hard to control my eating habits. I find myself eating out of boredom as well..I have always had lots of friends, but highschool became over-whelming for me because I always felt I was under a microscrope and being judged by everyone. I finally dropped out and went to independent study for the remainder of highschool, and after doing so, I isolated myself from everyone I loved. My mom is my constant support system, which I am thankful for. But I feel like I embarrass my friends and family (especially my father, he's a health freak) when I am out with them. I feel uncomfortable going out to eat because I catch people looking at me like "Is she really going to eat that..?". It's also embarrassing when you shop for clothes..I'm just tired of it. Anyway, I have rambled on enough, and I'm ready for this surgery and ready to begin a new chapter of my life. I'm glad there are teens out there who have had successful surgeries, I hope to be one of you soon. -Ella

Hey Ella, My name is Michelle and I'm in the same boat as you. I'm 16 and have been researching WLS for a while now. I had also tried every diet in the book, exercise, and I was always in sports in and after school. I can relate to you in many ways. In high school (back where I used to live.. NY) I felt myself pulling back from friends and people who meant a lot to me. I always felt like an embarrassment, and that being seen with them would effect what people thought about them. Not only was I feeling that, but I also felt as if I was being judged. When I walk by people in the halls of my school or even a mall and they were laughing, I would jump to assuming they are laughing about me. I hate going out in public, so I rot away in my room. I'm embarrassed to go to a family get together on holidays because I would feel I'm the ugly duckling. I have 3 older brothers who are thin, healthy and muscular. Always working out and keeping in shape. My family looks at them and says how great they look and turn to me and say, Oh you have a pretty face. I mean I'm tired of the whole " You have a pretty face" deal. I want them to look at me and like what they see. I just moved to Florida with parent's 7 months ago. School here is a bit rough. Harder than it was back in NY where I grew up. All the kids here don't accept "Heavy people" as a friend. And besides, honestly I only saw about 4 heavier kids in the school. And it's a pretty small school. They look at you like you're a damn alien. And most of the kids don't even say anything to you like being overweight is contagious or something. People are always constantly saying things to me, and making me feel like a lower person than the rest. I wish I knew of some independent study thing here, I would do it in a heartbeat. I'm an 11th grader. And thought of dropping out of highschool numerous times just to get away from that. I don't know if I can handle another year in highschool. I will stop going on and on lol. I just really wanted to let you know your not alone. When I first found this website I was SO happy that I found other teens that could relate to my problems. If you need to talk to anyone, I'm online 24/7 (because I have no friends here and like I said I ROT in my room) Feel free to IM me or email me. Email: [email protected] Screen name : MikexnxShell TTyl - Shell

Email me or read my profile i am KIM 23 years old,,, my surgery is next tuesday 3-30-04 my mom and grandma have both lost over 160LBS. with the gastric bypass if there are any questions... please let me help All i can tell you is that when i look at my 64 year old grandma who used to be imobile and my mom who never really could move... now dance run and climb, i know i wished i did this 5 years ago when i was 18! KIM