Hi Everyone!

Hi! My name is Kirsten. I am fairly new on here. So far I have been just lurking around and replying to posts once in awhile. I wanted to wait to introduce myself until I had the time to sit down and type a proper hello. Sooo....
I am getting very close to the end of the process to have the lapband surgery. I'm hoping to have surgery before the end of the year. I met with the surgeon on Thursday and he gave me the "thumbs up" and submitted to my insurance for approval. So that part done. I am still working on a required 8 week program through my insurance company--I have ~2 weeks left and then they start the approval process. Who knows how long that will take--I have all other required pieces done but they certainly haven't seemed to be in any hurry so far. We'll see.
I live in MN, work in health care, am single, and live with "my babies"--Sibley, who is a 12 yr old border collie/ blue healer cross, and my 5 yr old grey kitty, Gracie. I started really gaining wt about 10-12 yrs ago and it got progressively worse as each year has gone by. Growing up I was always on the heavier side of normal weight and felt "fat" as compared to my skinny friends. Of course, now I can't wait to be that "fat" again.
I have done a great deal of research, gone to multiple information sessions at a couple different hospitals, and read books. But I have to say that I have gotten the most out of the support groups I have gone to and visiting this site. I have really been inspired and Wow'd by all of you and your stories. Just from the short time I've been on here, I can tell you are all a great group of people *****ally support eachother. Thank you for taking me into your group and I CANNOT WAIT TO JOIN YOU ALL ON THE LOSER'S BENCH!!
Have a Great Wkend!

Hi Kirsten, welcome out of the shadows of lurking.  I too live in MN and work in health care.  I am up on the iron range, north of Duluth.  I married Dennis last Feb. 29th, and we are raising my furry children, Oscar a 6 yo black pomeranian who is total twit, and Gretta a 7 yo yorkie who rules the house, at least in her vision.  Every once in a while I need to let her know that I am the alpha, not her.

I am 3 months out from my RNY and so happy that I had the surgery.  Wishing that I had wised up a couple of decades ago and had the surgery then.  I was finally in the right place in my life to work on the weight issues.

Right now trying to enjoy the weather while it lasts.  I tend to stay indoors more when it is cold and snowy.  Yes, that describes most MN winters.  Keeping you in my thoughts and looking forward to officially welcoming you to the losing side of surgery.  Don't sink back into the shadows, love to hear more about you.  Will I chat with you on the monday evening bariatric buddy chat times?  Please come and check out the conversation.  enjoy your weekend too.  Hugs, Kathy

Hi Kathy, Thanks for the warm welcome. I am actually from Duluth but have been down in the Cities for about 5 years. My parents still live up in Duluth and I was actually just there yesterday visiting. Did you have your surgery in Duluth? I encouraged my Mom and Dad to go to an informational meeting at St. Mary's so they can understand better what will be happening to their daughter's stomach I think they are going to go to one coming up soon.

My Sibley is such the Alpha--she rules whatever roost she is in at the time--even at my Mom and Dad's house. Their poor Golden Retriever has put up with her bossiness over the years and rarely "talks back" to her. She is my baby and I can't wait to start being able to take her for longer walks once I shed a few pounds.

I will have to check out the Monday evening chats...right now I have a weekly phone appointments for my insurance company on Monday nights so it just depends on if times are conflicting. But I will definitely check it out.

Yes, definitely enjoy the mild weather...I here cold temps are on the way soon. Talk to you soon

Hi Kirsten, Yes, I had my surgery at St. Mary's in Duluth.  Three months ago, headed back there on Tues for my follow up.  I live about an hour drive north of there in Virginia.  Let me know sometime when you are in Duluth, maybe we can arrange to meet somewhere.  I grew up between Marshall and Willmar in the SW part of the state and have family that lives in St. Paul.  Been to lots of different areas of the state visiting over the years.  Good to meet you.  Keep Sibley in line, alphas are so predictable.  (My way or the highway) lol

Hugs, Kathy

Hey there Kirsten! Sorry my welcome came a bit late.. Has been a very busy day today. You will find on the weekends it can be a bit slow around here, so if you do not hear back from many, please do not be offended.

Monday evening chat it at 7 pm eastern..thinking you are central time zone? So 6pm for you, if that doesn't conflict with your other appt's.

My hubby and I have 3 furbabies. 2 young adult kids, 2 grandkids, and one on the way! Loveeeee those grandbabies. That is my weeble girl (granddaughter) in the avatar with me.

When I was younger, I was solid muscle.. 135 lbs, but big boned and muscular, so always felt fat then...I didn't know what fat was, although my mom always told me I was too fat. Go figure.. I bought it hook line and sinker.  I had my RNY a year ago july 21st and am down 107 lbs so far, and still gradually losing.. very very gradually...lol. I am very near goal now.

Again welcome and look forward to sharing in your journey with you!

Hi Patrece,  Thanks for the welcome!  I am super glad to be here and to have you guys to help me along through this journey!  Congrats on your success!

I am central time zone.  I have my appts at 7 or 7:30......so I just may be able to pop in to that chat time and say hi!

Thanks again!

 

You are soo welcome! Hope to see you there! Remember to access our group chat you have to come here to the group area first, then click the "chat" link to the right to get into our group chat. It is not accessible from the main OH Chat link. Many people have missed the chats due to not knowing this is the only way to get to our private group chat.
Welcome again, and Hugs to you

Welcome to the group, Kirsten.  Glad you decided to join us!

Colleen

Welcome, Kirsten!  Hope you can make it to chat tonight!!


Guayas

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome! 

I was looking at my calendar today and realized that if everything falls into place with my insurance company and can somehow work it out to have the surgery before the end of the year......that is coming up REALLY FAST!!  I was like...Wholly crap!  I hoping for the best that I'll get approved and be able to get a date...but I don't want to get my hopes up too much.  Either way, it shouldn't be long....because then I'll hopefully be able to do it right after the first of the year which is coming up fast too.  WOW!!  My parents and friends are super supportive and my Mom is going to stay with me for awhile after I get out of the hospital to help take care of me and my pets.  I'm scared and excited :)

I wasn't able to make it to the chat this week but I will most definitely check it out as soon as I can.  I'm learning so much from this site. 

Thanks again!