Just another newbie...

Hey yalls... Just wanted to stop by and say "HI!" to everyone after lurking for a couple of days. WOW...so much inspiration here, the pictures and profiles of the members on this board showed me that I really am making the right decision to go through with WLS. I have HMSA (Hawaii version of Blue Cross/Blue Shield) and have already got the go-ahead from my PCP (primary care physician) to contact one of the sugreons on the list he gave me. Sooo...now it's just figuring out who has the best program for me (oh...and of course the smallest wait list.) But anyways, so rude of me...my name is Dana and I'm 24. Right now I weigh 276 and am 5'3" (size 22 jeans and XL-XXL tops). I live in Hawaii right now but I was born in the south and raised all over the rest of the world (military brat I am..lol). I have 2 of the sweetest sons, they're 6 and 4 and are the reason I am utter exhuasted but thoroughly loved. I so love to talk...lol...and I hope I get to talk to a lot of you on this board. Everyone sounds SOOOOO great. I just wanted to let you all know how appreciative I am that so many of you shared your personal journeys. I plan to update my profile really soon (I was too busy trying to mess with the HTML...lol) with my status about how the approval is going (can we say FRUSTRATION...ugughghghghg!). But, thanks...it really is a great resource for someone going through the pre-surgery aspects. Dana

Welcome to the group Dana! I wouldnt just go for who has the smallest weight list!!! Find out who the *best* surgeon is! The best is always worth the wait!

Hawaii has very few choices here with surgeons. Basically, it's wait two years on a wait list for the number one program (which is probably the number one program because they have been established longer and they only do ONE type of WLS) or go with the number two program which is newly established but has a very good surgeon who performed surgery at a different facility. *Shrugs* I really do want to wait for the first one...but two years is a very long time versus waiting two months for surgery with the other one. I'm meeting with both surgeons...ultimately I know I will choose the one that I'm most comfortable with. Thanks so much though! Dana

Hi Dana! Welcome to the board! It's always great to have a new voice with new experiences. I wish you a bumpless journey with great successes. Leia

Leia... Awww...thanks so much! Dana

Welcome Dana! Glad to hear you are making progress on your surgery! Dont be a stranger now! Krista Lap RNY Sept 12 2005 298/185/160

Krista... Wow...I saw your profile and the pictures (I love the bathing suit!). That's one of my goals...lol...to go back to wearing a two piece like i did back in high school. You're so close to your goal...that's so inspiring. I'm looking into the lap RNY also...how was the pain after? Dana