New to this board

Hi everyone, I'm 37 and have been lurking around this board for months now; leary to post and join, as I'm a not-so-proud member of the BMI over 50 boards and NJ and PA boards as well. Leary to join your board because it seems as I am the only super-big gal here. But I thought, let's give it a shot. My surgery is scheduled for October 18th; and I'm just getting really nervous now; looking everywhere for comfort, share stories and concerns.

Welcome Michelle, Funny how we all feel like the "super-big girl" of the club. I used to feel that way before my sugery, I now feel and look great. My self esteem is back and I'm looking forward to the rest of my life. My health has improved, I know that I have added years of a productive and happy life. Surgery, for me, was the best decision of my life....my only regret? I should have done it years ago. I think that we all get a bit scared, especially as the day gets closer but don't loose sight as to why you started this journey. The results and outcome are far better than you will ever imagine..It is about your health, being able to stroll through the beach, hike up a glorious mountain, bike along a windy path. It is about how you look, liking who you see in the mirror, looking fabulous in hip-hugger jeans and a tiny tank, getting plenty of compliments. It is about how you feel, truly loving yourself every single day, having a painted smile because you are happy, enjoying your new found self esteem and confidence.................Michelle good luck and keep us posted on your progress to the new you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Warm regards, carolbear

Thanks Carol I know one day, hopefully soon, I'm going to kick myself for not having done this years ago!

Michelle; If there's one place where size doesn't matter, it's on OH. I'm glad you decided to join in and post! The nervousness is normal. I totally believe that if you're not nervous, you shouldn't have passed your psych eval. WLS is a huge change to every aspect of your life and big changes should be both exciting and scary. October 18 will be here in no time. To help prepare your body for surgery and post-op life, if you're physically able, try to start walking for exercise. It will help strengthen your heart for surgery, exercise releases lots of good endorphins and it's a good for you to have time to reflect and meditate a little each day. Practice taking small bites - no larger than the size of a grape - and chew each bite 30x. Chewing is very important for your post-op life. This will also help you adjust to eating slower. Please keep us posted on your journey! Blessings, Jennifer

Hi Michelle, Welcome :wave: This whole thing is a bit scary. I'm still fighting with myself about having the surgery. With a BMI over 50, I realize that I have to do something. You're definitely not alone. I'm looking forward to how good I'm going to feel. My first appointment is this Thursday and hopefully things will move along from there. October 18th will be here before you know it- be encouraged and think positive!!

Welcome Michelle, you've come to the very few places in the universe where size doesn't matter! Congrats in getting a date, it is hard to keep your nerves in check, coming onto these boards and seeing the wonderful things that happen for people afterwards and the great support you get while waiting was one way I kept my nerves down. All will be well, you have my thoughts and prayers.

Don't be leary. We're all here to support each other regardless of our size. My BMI was over 50 as well prior to surgery. We're here for you! Take care and keep us updated on how things are going. Keke

Thanks so much for all of the support!!

Hi Michelle, I am new to this board also, I've been mostly on the board of my surgery date, which is 2/9/06. I was the super big girl on my board, and everyone who's gotten to Onederland (when you finally reach a weight under 200) was making me pretty jealous because I have so far to go. Just don't think you're in it alone. When I started my journey my BMI was I think at 60 or something. And I've lost over 100 lbs since having the surgery (7 months ago). Its not an easy process... there's pain and fatigue, but my overall health is better than it was when I was a teenager, and I'm so thankful now that I had this surgery. Congratulations on getting your date and we are all here to support you.

Hey Michelle, I just wanted to say hello, I hope that everything goes well for you. While i'm not a member of the big "girls" club, i was a big guy. I had a BMI of 64 when i went in for surgery, and let me tell you WLS was the best thing I ever did for myself. At almost 7 months out, i've lost about 200 lbs (i'll do an official weigh in sometime this week) since I started the process, 180 of that is post op from Feb. I'm healthier, and more fit now then I've been in over 10 years. I hope you have a good WLS journey. Scott