Hello!

I am so happy that I was well enough to participate in this morning's phone conference! 

My name is Amy and I had VSG with Dr. Srikanth at St. Francis Hospital in WA on 11/19/2008.  I am 38 years old and live in Auburn, WA with my spouse (Joel), two cats (Seymour and Sidney), and dog (Max).  Please feel free to peruse the blog on my profile (which needs to be updated with a 3 month post-op message).

I have always has a weight issue.  Fortunately, I was somehow funny or smart enough to have always done well socially and professionally.  Prior to two years ago, I was a relatively happy and "healthy' obese woman.  I do have a variety of medical issues (migraines, PCOS, Fibromyalgia. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, arthritis) and as I got older, my symptoms progressed. I was miserable and depressed.  I hit bottom after a visit with my regular physician (whom I adore) in late August 2008 and after a small pity party, I decided to do the one thing I knew I could do for myself that would help me feel better physically and mentally - I decided to have WLS.  As I was a self pay patient (based on employer exclusion), it took me about a month to get the funds together and I attended the required seminar on 10/06/08, had my initial consult on 10/18/08 and scheduled surgery for 11/19/08. 

As soon as I decided to have WLS my entire life changed.  It was like a light bulb was turned on in my mind.  I realized that I was responsible for my own life and my attitude would determine my reality.  I am fortunate to have stumbled across OH when I researching surgeons and it is a tremendous resource.  I met Christine at a WA Forum get together that I hosted in January.  I like to attend support groups because I like to learn and meet others.

I look forward to learning about all of you and our future calls!

Amy