New to the process

Kari M. is a good friend of mine in real life. After seeing the results of her and her father I've been thinking about getting this done myself. I'm 5'6 and somewhere in the vicinity of 290lbs. I don't weigh myself very often (it's not good for my mental health to check frequently ;) ) so I'm not exactly sure. I've been fat (I prefer that term to obese etc.) since puberty and just steadily gained each year since then. When I was in high school I was a bit anorexic for awhile until I suddenly realized that the whole situation was completely crazy--I was being praised for harming myself. After that I decided not to diet or exercise until I could learn to like myself for who I am, have a positive body image, and THEN I could consider losing weight when it was for health reasons rather than hating the way I looked. I did finally reach that point, and if anything went to the other extreme. I wasn't sure I wanted to do this because I'm quite big on fat pride--encouraging people to love themselves and each other at any weight and fighting against messed up societal ideals that make us hate ourselves. I kind of felt like I would be a sell-out or traitor to the cause. This is probably a perspective that isn't very popular on here, but I wanted to share it anyway because it is important to understanding where I come from. Health reasons have finally pushed me into accepting the need for weight loss and I figure I can still fight to change the idea that only anorexics can be beautiful even if I get to be 180 lbs (my goal). One thing that has helped me make this decision is seeing that many people do not end up with perfect bodies, even after a dramatic weight loss. So I should still have some room to argue from as a fat activist without seeming like a complete hypocrit. I will be attending my first informational seminar tomorrow evening, the required first step in the process at the hospital my friend Kari went to. I think the last time I checked (it's been several years) my BMI was 56 or so, so I'm definitely qualified in that sense. Plus I have several health problems that are either directly related to the weight or strongly influenced by it. Further I've got BCBS (PPO) so I don't really anticipate any major problems in getting approval to go forward in this whole process. Well, this was a long-winded post, but I wanted to introduce myself as I'll be checking in from now on.

yea! welcome to the journey amanda! of course, you know me and my viewpoint on this life-saving, life-changing surgery and i can't wait until you share my enthusiasum when you join the 'loosing' team! (loosing weight, get it?) and it's true, even though we're young, our bodies do not end up perfect after WLS despite our secret hopes. so it's good to go in with a realistic viewpoint and for the right reasons. WLS isn't a solution, it's a tool to use to get you to a solution. best of luck and welcome to the board!

Amanda Hello there and Welcome!!! I am also new to the board. I think you will find some wonderful information on this site. I have met some great people (including Kari) she is awesome. If you ever want to chat drop me an email. I am also waiting to have surgery. Actually, I am waiting for insurance approval and keeping my fingers crossed. Keep me posted.

Welcome Amanda Should you have any questions let me know, I'll be 4 weeks post op on Friday and feel good. Carly

Hey Amanda!!! I'm from LA too! I think you made an excellent decision to pursue WLS especially when obesity starts to affect your health. I don't think you are being a hypocrite at all. If you ever want to chat, don't hesitate to drop me an e-mail.

Well I am glad you made the choice to persure WLS. I had it about 9months ago (-105lbs) and it was the best choice I have ever made. Let me know if you have any questions. I have been there and back.

Welcome to the group!

Hi back everyone! I would have responded earlier but it's been sort of a crazy week. I went to my informational seminar on Wednesday, the first step! I now have an appointment to meet with the surgeon for the first time on Feb. 23rd. I feel much better about my decision since going to the seminar on Wednesday. My friends, family, and boss are very supportive as well. I'll be able to get medical leave from work for my post-surgery recovery time too. So I'm a very lucky woman!

I'm right with you on the whole I didn't want to be a sell out. I've always been very comfortable with who I was. I never let my size stop me in anything I wanted to do. I played sports, I was a normal every day kid and teenager. A lot of people tell stories of being teased and this and that when they were younger, but I really never had that. I was just comfortable being me and I was scared to change me. But like you I didn't want health problems to increase down the road. And I wanted to live to watch my nephew grow up. So I had it done. I don't regret it one bit. I am still me and nothings changed. Except now instead of being a size 26-28 I'm a size 10-12. But trust me I'd still be frightful in a bathingsuit!! So if you want to do it .. go for it... no one will think you are a sell out, just a smart person trying to stay alive!!! Good luck, and if I can ever help in anyway just email me! Julie 21mos out ... -185lbs. =-)

Welcome Amanda!