Just introducing myself!

Hi everyone! My name is Dawn and I am just starting my WLS journey after struggling with my weight since I was a teen (and I will be 34 tomorrow!). I am looking forward to having a new birthday! I've enjoyed reading everyone's profiles and before-and-after pictures...they are so inspiring and gives me so much hope! Now I know I am doing the right thing, and I am looking forward to getting to know all of you throughout my journey. I've been contemplating WLS for a long time now...being in the medical field I've always been aware of the surgery and what it entails, but always thought I could control my weight on my own. In fact, my husband works with 2 girls that had the surgery and look fabulous...when he mentioned it to me I flamed him so badly he never mentioned it again! He said he'd been praying I would make the decision to have the surgery and is ecstatic. So, after countless rounds of yo-yoing and throwing thousands of dollars down the toilet at 5'4" and 240 pounds, it's time. Plus, I am borderline diabetic and hypertensive, I have PCOS and hypothyroidism, I think I have sleep apnea, and I have severe aches and pains in my joints along with a host of other annoying little problems that I know are caused by my weight. My family is supportive, and my husband is going to attend the informational meeting at St. Mary's on August 2nd with me with Dr. Bautista. He's operated on me before for an unrelated problem, so I love him already! Here are some of the things I am looking forward to after my new birthday: 1) Tying my shoes normally without it taking ten minutes and causing significant discomfort 2) Going up the stairs without getting short of breath 3) Not sweating so much I can't wear makeup or carry off a hairstyle, even with the slightest exertion 4) Wearing a bathing suit 5) Playing sports again 6) Reconnecting with old friends who don't know the fat me, because I have been to ashamed and embarassed to contact them, or even go up and say hello if I see them (I just quickly turn and go the other way) 7) Not having the specter of my weight literally color everything I do...it's always there no matter what I do or however much I try to shut it out And so much more. I am thankful that there is a community of people out here who understand and want to help...I truly think that kind of support improves the surgery outcomes just as much as following the lifestyle plan afterwards. I plan on posting to my profile/journal often, and I will continue to read you all's postings with great interest. Here's to our health and happiness!

Dawn~ Welcome! And congratulations on your decision to pursue WLS. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. I am 15 months post op and have lost 199 lbs. I had stalled for a long time but have recently started losing again. I have the same surgeons office, but a different surgeon. We have a wonderful support group that meets every Thursday (unless there are five Thursday's in the month, then we only meet 4 times). There is one tonight from 6:30-8. This one is the nutritional class. We are all here to support you in any way you can. I am close to you in age (I will be 32 in a week and a half) and we had a lot of the same comorbidities. I am happy to say that I only have the joint pain left, but it is no where near as bad as it was. I look forward to reading about your journey and wish you the best of luck. Please let me know if I can do anything to help you along in this journey. It is an awesome ride! ~Tammy

Thank you, Tammy! I am going to plan on attending support groups after the whirlwind of the summer passes...the kids are going every which way but loose this year and we are leaving for Niagara Falls for five days tonight! (I am originally from upstate New York, so it's like going home again even though I've been in VA since I was 13). I will be glad when it all calms down!I am soooo in awe of your progress...I hope I have the same success! I look forward to meeting you soon!

Congratulations on your decision to have surgery . Not only will it save your life .. it will enhance everything about it . My name is Natalie .. otherwise known as Tinkerbelle .. I have been a member here since 04 .. starting weight was 310 and now down to 125 pounds .. and holding on tight . I am the current OH Chapter Leader for my area and hold support groups monthly . You will not find a more supportive group than right here .. this is my new family . Each and everyone are my true friends and I adore them .. Read .. Learn .. particapate .. know that there is no dumb question .. and to ask - ask - ask .. Best wishes to you .. know you can count on us here .. And Welcome ! Natalie

Thank you, Natalie! I have particularly enjoyed reading your story and profile...you've been through so much and I found myself cheering for you as I read! No wonder you're the leader...we can learn so much from you. And I wish you the best of luck with your upcoming battle with your tumor. I look forward to participating to the hilt and I know I will meet each and every one of you soon!

Dawn...Welcome to the best board there is...We love new "tiny pouch people" and are always ready to welcome them with lots of love and support. I have been here for over a year now, had my surgery in December 2005 and have gotten rid of 80 pounds of fat! I have had a few stalls in between but still managing to behave myself for the most part. I have some of the most awesome friends here off the board and this is my family. All are very near and dear to me. They have seen me through many ups and downs and many triumphs..you won't find better people than here. We meet occasionally and can't wait to get the chance to meet you also. Post often and get to know us as we get to know you. Hugs, Betsy

Hi Dawn! Welcome to the VA board - very very glad you are here! hugs, Andrea

Happy Birthday Dawn!!! Welcome to the VA board. Gum Spring...sounds like a load leveler for dentures

Hello Dawn, Congratulations on your decision to TAKE BACK YOUR LIFE, it's so empowering, once we make the commitment to make us NUMBER one again, isnt it? By the time I finally got around to making my decision, I had problems even finding myself in the list of priorities, Id made everyone and everything else in my life more important, not realizing that I was slowly but surely killing myself. At the risk of sounding vain, what good was elevatinig all those around me that I loved, if I ended up 6 feet under? By the way, LOVED reading your list of things to look forward too!!!!! It really did leave a big smile on my face because I coulda written that, hell, I probably DID somewhere in my profile, but Im not about to go read that monstrosity, lol, not enough hours in a day. Your GOALS really do bring inspiration and strength to others, regardless of what phase we're in in our journies, so thank you for sharing them. Good luck to you - you can DO IT!!! Lei