Hello! I'm New

My name is Julie.  I am 52, fat and not happy with my health.  I love life, people and above all God.  I am trapped inside all of this flesh and I am hoping to get out again. Though I live my life daily to the fullest, I believe there is so much more for me after weight loss.  I did not start to struggle with my weight until my fourth year in college and it got worse after the births of each of my two children. The kids are 17 and 20 now and I'm still struggling. I have very strong will power (for short periods) and have managed to lose lots of excess weight several times.  My issue is with trying to keep it off.  My will power needs a big push to keep focused and move forward.  It's been repeated many times by people all over the world, that it gets harder to lose the older you get.  I, like many others have experienced this to be a very accurate statement.  So, I've done the research, I'm pulling up my boot straps and hoping, with the help of WLS to make this the final journey that leads me to a happy weight loss ending

Hi Julie! welcome to our group.. Boy do we all understand what you are struggling with. I am glad you found us. I look forward to sharing your journey with you. Where are you in the process? Just starting out, or have you been approved already?

This is a great grup and I hope you will fnd it to be helpful and supportive to you in your quest for better health and life!

I had RNY 1 year 8 months ago. I am down 112 lbs. I went from a tight 24 pant to a 10. I even have the energy to chase and play with my awesome grandkids. I could have NEVER done this prior to wls. I too could never be successful before wls. I have to admit, it takes a lot of work, can be frustrating at times, and requires you to change your lifestyle bigtime, but if you do these things, the success you find will b so worthwhile!

It's my understanding that my surgeon, Dr. Douglas Krahn from Western Bariatrics here in California, is booked up through July, 2010 or even later.   I have approval from my insurance and have my first consultation with Dr. Krahn set for Wednesday 3/17/10. Though I would love to get going and have the surgery sooner than August, I'm okay.  I would just feel so much better knowing the date so that I can make goals and prepare accordingly.  I am so ready and have spent 6 months under the guidance of my primary physician.  The research I have done makes me feel ready to perform the surgery myself (LOL).  I am so anxious to get a surgery date.  I joined this group so that I can keep my anxiety at bay.  It gives me a focus and keeps centered while I wait.  It feels so nice knowing there are so very many of us who are going through this.  We are all at various stages.

QUESTION:  Now that I have insurance approval, is it typical to get a surgery date or will there be more requirements?  I have, as stated above, already spent the last 6 months (an insurance requirement) meeting with my PCP monthly.  I know each place, each surgeon and each insurance has different criteria, or as we say in laymans terms, hoops to jump through.

Thanks for starting this group.  It's comforting and you are very welcoming.    

Hi Julie, You made it through the insurance hoops, horrraaaay.  Should just be waiting for a slot for surgery.  When I was waiting for mine, I was told the booking was way ahead, then when the actual scheduling was made, I knew 3 weeks ahead.  Now I was to be on a liquid diet for 3 weeks due to my BMI.  Hmmmm      

Hang in there, embrace the changes that will be habits for you, such as separating drinking from eating and exercising as you are able.  Hugs

 Thanks Kathy!  I'm getting so excited.  All the best with your support group tonight. 

Hi Julie, welcome, welcome.  Your story is similar to many of us.  We are here to answer questions, offer support, be a friend.  Post and let us know what we can do to be of assist.

 Julie,
It is great to meet you.... I got your message and it inspired me even more. We are going to do this together and we are going to find those inside us that want out.
Today is the first day of the rest of our lives and we are going to live it like we never have before.

Hi Julie,  a big WELCOME to you! I'm 54 and had VSG 6 weeks ago. Your story rang a loud bell for me because I was a yo-yo dieter too, having lost and regained huge amounts of weight throughout my life until it just didn't work any more. I look forward to getting to know you better.

Amalia

Thanks Amalia, so nice to meet you.  I appreciate this support group.  I look forward to reporting only good news.  I appreciate the welcome!

Julie 

Hi Julie, so glad you joined our group.  I will save you a seat on the loser's beach.  You will be there before you know it.  Just work on the eating habbits you will have to start after surgrey.  God Bless you in every way. If i can be of help please let me know.