New to the group

I wanted to take the time to introduce myself to the group.  I had the pleasure of meeting some of you in chat last night and had a wonderful time.  For those of you that missed it, you missed a great time of support and socialization.  It's always great to talk in real time with people who know exactly what you are going through.

Now, on to the introduction.  My name is Deanna but most people call me Dee.  I live in Maryland Heights, MO which is a suburb of St. Louis.  I have a 13 year old son and we live with my significant other, Michael.  I am a degreed early childhood special education teacher but am currently on disability and have been for years.  Initially it was because my weight kept me from being able to do my job.  I continue to be on it because of the damage that the weight caused to my body.  It is keeping me from being able to do my job.  I also have a problem with excess skin that hinders my ability to walk well.  Unfortunately I am not able to afford plastic surgery and my insurance company refuses to pay for it saying that it is not medically necessary no matter what evidence my doctor and I provide.  I had RNY on 4/4/06.  I started out at almost 500 pounds and the surgery was a real life saver.  Initially, I lost 220 pounds.  Over time I gained 75 pounds back.  I am currently working on losing that weight again and have lost 35 pounds of it.  I am determined to lose that 40 pounds again.  After I have lost that I will decide on a new goal. 

Well I'm going to close this novel now.  First I want to say that if I can help anyone in any way, I will.  Feel free to add me as a friend.  I am on and off the computer all day every day and will be checking in here often.  This journey is much easier if we support each other. 

Dee

It was great to meet and talk to you in chat last evening! I admire your dedication to be and stay back on track! Its the best favor you can do for yourself right now.

As far as the excess skin, maybe you could do some research (may take a lot...but may be worth it) to see if there is a burn center somewhere that will remove the excess skin to use for treating burn victims. Some burn centers do this free, and some for a minimal charge. I do not know who will or will not do this, but I do think it could be worth your time and effort to look into it. AND if you do find anything out there, please share withthe group?!? Wishing you awesome luck with this!

Thanks for posting
Hugs

i enjoyed visiting with you last evening too, Dee.  I struggle with carbs and continue to try my best to work this tool.  I went from taking 80 units of insulin twice a day, plus meal coverage to getting by with pills and exercise.  Yayyy RNY.  There is a lot of type 2 diabetes in my family, lucky jeans ;)

We will do what we can to motivate each other to follow the path set out for us by our MD's.  Congrats on finding this group and reaching out.  Loads of hugs.

HI Dee,
  Nice to meet you :) Sorry I was not there to endulge in the chat..I seem to miss it every time! LOL.. so busy and times in my house are constant moving.. Sorry to hear your not able to have plastics, I am hoping one day to acheive them.. I bet your roaring to go to get the 40 more lbs off...and good for you to not give up :)

Huggs

Thanks for the welcome ladies.  That's a good idea about the burn center.  I will have to check into it.  If I find anything out I will certainly share it with the group as I'm sure there are others in the same boat as I am. 
Dee