New, looking for advice and support

Hey, this is my first time on the board. Thinking about weight loss surgery. I am sure this would be a great place to get advice. Let me hear from you. I live in Alexandria.

Welcome! Your in the right place to learn about surgery. Just browse around, make sure you do your research and read some profiles. If you have any questions feel free to ask! Jane

Welcome Sue, You've definitely come to the right place. I would go back and read as many topics as possible. I think I found all the answers to my questions here. No one can understand it better than those who have gone through it. See you around the boards! Amber

Welcome, Sue! I am new here as well. I haven't had my surgery yet, but am planning to in January - I have been scheduled 3 times but chickened out each time - This time I plan to take the leap - I have finally come to the conclusion that this surgery isn't "elective" for me - With my family history and the health problems that I already have, I am convinced that they will get nothing but worse unless I do something about the weight. Been on every diet under the sun all my life - they don't work - This is the only thing I have left. Who are you looking at using for a surgeon? I am going to Dr. Anez in Fairfax - supposed to be one of the best. Would be great to have someone to go through this with!!

Hi Donna - I live in Fredericksburg too. I went to Dr Halmi in Woodbridge - (Dr Anez and Dr Halmi are parnters). I could not have met a more caring surgeon. We are having a support group meeting in Fredericksburg/Stafford border on the 15th - why not come along and you can listen in and ask questions then. If you want more details please just email me. Jackie

Welcome Sue, It's always a pleasure to welcome new people to the board. I remember my first time here and all the support and friends I've made. It is a great bunch of people and who better to get advice from than actual people who have done this and are living the life. I for one, will tell you that I wouldn't change a thing. For the first time in my (what once was a miserable life) I am now in control. It feels wonderful and powerful. I had my surgery in July and I'm down 68 lbs. Feel free to check out my before and after pics on my profile page. It's been truly amazing. Please feel free to ask me anything you may need to know. If I don't know that answer I will try to find it for you. Also, there are a lot of people from NOVA so you are in good hands with them. Wishing you all the luck with your decision. My prayers are with you in making the right choice for YOU. Lots of Love Kathy

Hi Sue, Welcome to the board. I am kind of new too! I am still waiting for approval from insurance and then my surgeon will give me a date - hopefully in Dec., but porbably in Jan. The folks on this board are so kind and welcoming and a wealth of information. Read lots of profiles and ask all of your questions both here and at your surgeon's office. I wish you good luck! Hugs, Robin

Welcome, Sue! This is a great place to meet people...get support...and ask plenty of questions! Looking forward to getting to know you! Stephanie

Sue, you have come to a great board for support and advice - we are all here to help one another. You should do some research first and that will help you decide what you want to ask and what you need to know...... Jackie

Welcome Sue...this is a great place for finding out what's what. This is a great bunch of people. Feel free to ask questions. I haven't had my surgery yet but I have been approved so soon I hope. Anna