Oh My

Well went to my first pcp visit today to get things rolling and oh my I weighed 460!! How did I ever get to this point?? Well the doctor seems cool and onboard with everything just wants me to lose 60 lbs before surgery and exercise and do the normal tests and such. He has dealt with my insurance before and he seems to think with my weight alone I should be accepted but I have a long road ahead of me with this diet. Not really craving anything yet, but its only been a week ;) Thanks for letting me rant and all the support

Hang in ther Karen. Kinda hand the same experience when I got weighed for the first time since post-pregnancy. I thought, well, I'm about 260 lbs, WRONG! Try 328lbs. Shocking to me to say the least. I went home and cried and immediately went on the Atkins diet. and lost some weight pretty quickly, gained some back, lost it again, gained some more, then lost it etc. You get the picture. When I fianlly got insurance approval it was a real motivator for me to make myself healthy for surgery and lost 27 pounds by the time my surgery day arrived. I felt I should have lost more, but I was happy with that. I know it seems you got a a lot on your plate but think how much safer surgery will be for you when you lose that 60 pounds. It may not be easy but getting approved by the insurance and given the greelnight by your surgeon should be your biggest motivator. I really believe that surgery has saved my from an early demise. I'm here for my son now that he lost his dad. If I was over 300 pounds when he passed away, it's very possible that I would have not had the strength and coping skills to deal with everything. It's made me a stronger person both physically and mentally.

Hi Karen, Ditto what Jane said. You can lose this weight. You are determined to have your surgery and when the doctor requires -60 you will do it! You have to do it for your life and health. Like Jane, I had a loss this year. Thank God I had already lost about 80 lbs beforehand. It certainly helped me get through. I also just had a hysterectomy from which the recovery was more difficult than from RNY. Again, I thank God that I was -112 prior to it! I couldn't imagine trying to get my former fat stomach healed. Congratulations on the beginning of your journey. Please rely on us anytime you need support. Lois

Hi Karen ~~ Your post has me flashing back to my consult when I got on a scale at the doc's that would actually give me a true weight. It showed 467. I was mortified. I had NO idea. I cried right there in front of the doc. He just reassured me that I was in the right place and that there WAS a workable solution for me IF I follow the instructions he gave me as well as that of the Nutrition Dept at the hospital. I was instructed to lose 40 lbs. He explained that losing the weight could possibly make the difference of having it performed open or lap. Of course I wanted it performed lap because the recovery would be easier. I lost that weight plus some (total of 67 lbs) extra before my surgery. My WLS was performed lap because I followed his orders. During the time I was working on losing that 67 pounds--I just kept my mind fixed on the "prize" at the end of the tunnel. I had the support of family and friends that kept me motivated. Try and take each day one at a time. Make note of all the victories you have along the way and write them down! When you feel down or tempted pull out that list and see how far you have you have come. You can do it! Look forward to your future posts as you progress. Angel on your shoulder

Karen, I know how you feel although I knew when I stepped on the scale at the doctors office and I had packed on another 30 lbs (340) from the last time I weighed myself and just felt so helpless. However, I got over it and decided this is the LAST time I will every have to face this again. This is the last year I will be obese. Just making the decision to do this, is almost liberating because I can surrender to the process. I can't continue to bash myself because I have failed at controling my disease for the last 20 years. I just have to take advantage of a new opportunity to finally be free of this pain. So instead of beating yourself up, start imaging your new life. Start preparing for it. The first part of your journey is to lose the 60 lbs. It's hard but haven't you lost 60 lbs a bunch of times? I know I have. I am scheduled for February 9, for lap-band and I can't wait. Literally. No one told me to start losing weight but I am doing it anyway. I cleared out the pantry, had my ONE last meal (not 45 of them) and today I ate a diet of 1300 calories. I got myself a small tape recorder to put on my car keys so that I can make a tape recorded reminder of what I ate for the day so I can then transcribe it to my eating journal so I don't forget and I can make sure I follow my plan. It isn't easy and I am damn hungry. I want to lose 20 lbs before surgery. However, I am invigorated, because I can see light at the end of this life long battle. I have to be an active participant in it, so I might as well start NOW. So forgive yourself. It's tough, I am still working on forgiving myself as well. Folks here are loving, non-judgmental and supportive. You have friends, who have felt what you feel, have been where you are, and will do what they can to support you to your eventual success. Stay strong, you CAN do this. Jacquie

Hi Karen. Rant away, that is what we are here for. As for those 60 lbs, you can do it. Getting started on a healthy diet, drinking your water, etc. will help the transition to post surgery life so much. You have the strength and the determination. Just remember not to be to hard on yourself. We all slip up a little along the way, we are human. Best of luck to you as you begin your journey. :) Courtnney

Hi Karen, rant away, that is what we are here for. As for those 60 lbs, you can do it. Starting on the healthy diet, drinking water, exercising, etc. will help make the transition to post op life so much easier. You have the strength and the determination to succeed. Just remeber that we all slip up sometimes, don't be to hard on yourself, tomorrow is always another day and a new beginning. Best of luck to you as you start your journey. Courtney

Hang in there hon. You can do it. We're here for support if you need us. So rant away!! Let me know if I can help in any way. Anna

Hey Sweetie, well, we all have such similar stories which make us such a unique and wonderful family......we are here for you and will help all we can. We are your cheerleaders, shoulders to cry on and chests to beat on...we are here for you. You can do this...we all did. It is worth all the pain and hard work we go through for this tool. Keep posting and you will be on the losing side....Hugs, Betsy