New to OH and Group!

Hello My name is Christina and I currently reside in Pittsburgh, PA.  I found this site through a recommendation from my nutritionist and have quickly become addicted!  I've been overweight most of my life, but also extremely active.  I moved to Pittsburgh 5 years ago and I gained about 100 pounds in a year!!!!  I've gone through every diet, medication, and test possible to determine where the weight gain came from and we got nothing!  Weight gain caused some depression that I denied for years but looking back I know I wasn't myself.

Anyways, I toyed with the idea of getting the band or gastric for a few years.  I was against both and thought I just wasn't will powered enough to do it on my own so I would try harder and lose 10 lbs and then gain back 12 pounds!  Before my 27th birthday last year I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and I've had "borderline" diabetes since I was 15.  Right after my birthday I found out my cholesterol and blood pressure was elevated as well.  By the end of summer 2010, I made a decision that I needed help losing the weight. I come from a healthy family who run 5K's together while I watch on the sideline.  I want to do that with them, I want to out live my parents and I want to have a family of my own.  

I haven't set a date yet for surgery, but it will probably be end of March 2011.  I'm excited, nervous and anxious all at the same time!  I'm glad to have found the support and trust me, as I read each and every one of your stories, I am more and more inspired!  Thank you!!!

Welcome Christina.  I am glad you found this site and our group.  You have made a huge decision but one that will change your life for the better.  I'm often asked if I would do it again and I instantly respond "in a heart beat!"  I am almost 5 years out and am struggling a bit right now with weight gain but that's because I got off track.  If you have any questions feel free to ask them as I'm sure someone knows the answer.  We have all been there.  Good luck in your journey.  Keep us updated and don't be a stranger.
Dee

Welcome Christina! Glad you found our lil corner of OH. Ask any questions you may have and feel free to reply to others as well.  You are giving yourself an awesome gift of a future you can live in, rather than exist in. KUDO's to you. It will not be without its own set of challenges, but if you dedicate yourself to this journey, and always remember why you chose this and what it requires for long term success, you will do great. One very powerful tool is to always remember how awesome and hopeful you felt when you made the decision to do this, and got the approval...then the date, and when you feel weak, think back to these times for a "boost".

Each monday evening we hold a group chat. Feel free to join us for that. Kathy B sends out the reminders and info on them each monday morning.

Won't be lonbg until you are in those 5 K's too! Wooo Hoooo!

Hi Christina,
I am fairly new to the site also. (12/21/10) I am to have the RNY on the 13th of this month. This website and group has been so helpful to me. I hope and pray that it will meet your needs as well. Mag Pinkerton

Thank you Deanna, Patrece and Magnolia for the welcome! I am really excited about my new life journey!