Hi there, Newby here

 Hi, I am Merinda 44 years old. I live in Washington State. I am the proud mother of 2 adult sons. Dan my oldest is an Army Veteran who served 6 years with 2 tours in Iraq and Kenny my youngest is an Active Duty Sgt. in the Air Force. He has served 3 tours in the Middle East as well.

Well like everyone I am here because I am over weight. I am 267 lbs and only 5 foot tall. I have severe medical conditions that if I do not lose the weight it will jeopardize my health. I have Asthma, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, cardiac problems, fibromyalgia, and so much more.

I have tried so many different diets, fads, starvation, pills and more and nothing is working.

I was not always overweight but the last 21 years has been hell. I know there is that little person still in me that loved life but she has been hidden for so long I do not even know her any longer.

I do not have grandchildren yet and I want to live to see some (if my boys ever reproduce...lol)

I have done this for too long and now I am going to do this for me. 

I have an appointment with the surgeon on St. paddy's day (Wed) and I am taking this as a sign because being of Irish decent heck I need all the luck I can get.

I have my referral from my primary doctor and it took a bit of leg work but I found a doctor that takes Medicare, but I know there is still a road ahead but with the health conditions I am costing them more in meds a year then the surgery will cost.

I am grateful to be here, I really thought I was going to have to go this alone. Thank you.

Welcome to our group Merinda! I am 43, Mom of two adult kids, 2 awesome grand children and one on the way! LOVE those grandbabis!

Yep, your story is much like so many of ours. There comesa time when it is just time to reclaim our health and out lives!

Good luck with your appt with the surgeon. I am sure it will be a great day for you. What procedure so you plan to have done? I had RNY. No regrets.. ever!

You will never have to go through any of this alone. Just pop in here and share, and you will have may walking beside yu, supporting and encouraging you all the way. Glad to have you here! Make sure you keep us posted on how your appt on Wed goes for you.

 Patrece,
Thank you so much for the welcome I am so glad to be here. I have to go with the RNY due to having GIRD surgery. The Nissan fundleoplication (sp) is where the lap band would be placed. I wanted the RNY anyway because I want it to be permanent period.

I will be here posting as soon as I get home from the surgeon. I am excited, this is the most excited I have been about something in a long time (other than my 67 Mustang I adore)

Thanks again and nice meeting you.

You are very welcome! Nice to meet you as well. Best of luck!

Welcome to our family Melinda.  We are here for a shoulder to lean on, cry on, vent to.  Please keep us up to date on your appointments and progress.  No need to go through this alone.    I am so glad that I had my surgery and now am working with my pouch and exercise to continue the losing.

Welcome Melinda, glad you found us. I just wanted to give you a "heads up", that there is an FMS forum here in OH (look under "medical conditions"). I found it because I suffer both from MS and FMS, although nobody pays attention to my FMS once I say I have MS! I wish you the best of luck in your WLS journey and as long as you stay with BB, you will never be alone!

Amalia

Hi, I am also new; just had lap-band on March 10. I wish you all the best, this is the time to value and care for yourself - that's what I keep telling myself
I have two grown sons, a lovely daughter-in-law, and the sweetest granddaughter ever! I hear you about being able to be that active grandma (in my case mimi), there is nothing better. Take care and keep in touch. I live in the mountains in Colorado so I really appreciate the onlince ability to keep in touch.
Shirley