Just found you...had no idea!

I just stumbled upon this site..never knew it existed!  I have been lurking around OH since last Spring and am finally stepping into the light!  I have learned so much great information from OH and am really excited to begin this journey.  I went to my first "informational" meeting last April went through all of the evaluations, classes,etc. and am FINALLY scheduled for surgery on January 24th.  I was given my date before Thanksgiving, so I feel like I have been waiting on pins and needles forever..but things are starting to happen quickly now.  I start my 2 week liquid fast on January 10th, but I am already easing into it..who knew I would ever be so excited to consume only liquids for two weeks! I have actually been replacing meals slowly with protein shakes for the past 2 week just to get my head in the game.  I work in the medical field and the insurance through the hospital I work for has a pretty rigorous program, which is good...but I feel like it has taken me forever to get here.  While getting coverage for my 6 week time off, word has leaked out about what I am going to be gone for.  I don't mind that people know, but I am suprised by the people who tell me that I am not "fat enough" to be having this surgery..do they really think I am just putting myself through all of this for fun!?  I have many co-morbidities and so all of the issues aren't evident, but they are there and I am going to be SO happy to have my life back in control...and hopefully will have my energy level back before too long...I feel that I have missed out on too much of life as it is..unfortunately, I let my weight issues isolate me and have avoided making friends and socializing for several years..It is really encouraging to see the comraderie on this site ( and other OH sites). I am SO glad I found you!  Looking forward to getting to know you all!~  

So glad you have joined us....you are in for the ride of your life...congrats...SEAVIEW 

Welcome!  I'm so happy for you!  2011 will be an AMAZING year for you!!!

Congrats on your surgery date!! 

I got the "you're not fat enough" and "You don't need surgery" business, too, along with the stories of friends or friends of friends who had "bypass" (people use  bypass as a cover-all term for weight loss surgery, in my experience) and are fat again. So, I just didn't tell people if I didn't have to.

Glad to have you here. :) 

Abby

Welcome to the LW board.  Your date is right around the corner.   Wishing you a textbook surgery.   Cindy

Welcome!  Glad you found us!

You're discovering what its like to be a LW - with those comments.  I think most of us have heard them at one time or another....

Welcome to our little slice or support!  You will hear those statements A LOT!  I actually keep a fat picture with me so I can show people the change!  My friends knew how fat I had gotten......my college classmates and co-workers had NO IDEA how thin I used to be......so to them they thought I "looked good" as a fatty!  Now when they see me they are like "HOLY CRAP!  I CANT BELIEVE YOU WERE EVEN THAT BIG!  I guess you were BIG enough to have the surgery!"  

Hi and WELCOME!!

Yep...the "too small" comments are a pain in the butt. Most people are just trying to be nice but then I think some people don't like change, even if it has nothing to do with them. You are making the right decision. I am 5 weeks out and my main co-morbidity (HTN) is gone!!

I feel great and am so glad I had the RNY...it is a perfect fit!

You will do great!! Surgery day will be here before you know it!

I'm glad you joined us.  I also got the "you're not fat enough", and I wondered how fat is fat enough?  I've eliminated several co-morbidities, including diabetes, so you are making an excellent choice to have WLS. 

Thanks for all the nice thoughts and the welcome!  This site has such a different tone than many others...it's great!  It is so refreshing to get the validation for choosing surgery.  I am 5'3" and 211 lbs, but I have a small frame and back issues (not to mention high cholestrol,high blood pressure,newly discovered sleep apnea ..the "Hannible Lecter" mask is SO sexy)and the extra weight is very difficult for me physically and mentally.  I never had weight issues (despite having 4 kids****il about 15 years ago and I KNOW what it feels like to be a "normal" weight and I can't wait to be free of my "evil twin"!  She is literally sucking the life out of me!  I am so excited about beginning this journey!