Question:
Trying to keep the positiveness and self talk going it gets hard sometimes any ideas?

I need also some encouragement on my page to refer to often.    — praiseiswhatido (posted on November 25, 2002)

November 25, 2002
I know how you feel. It took several years before I got an ins. co to approve my wls. I FINALLY had it on 10/15/02! Several things will help pre and post-op. Keep a diary of your feelings, thoughts, things you want to do when the weight comes off, like mine is to wear a mini skirt(Im not sure if they are in style and I dont care!!) and also to wear nylons with out hearing that interesting swishing noise with every step. Find a buddy on here to keep in constant contact with, go to support group meetings. Many have them for people considering surgery, so you can go pre-op. Take some before picks, scan them into the computer and then alter them to get a look at what the smaller you will look like. Take your measurements( I know there wont be much change now..but WOW there will be)...do it every so often and do this post-op too so you will see the constant and amazing changes in your size. Talk to people who have been there. You are welcome to email me anytime. [email protected] I know its hard to keep your spirits up, but were with ya and we care...ALL post-ops were in your shoes at one point and eventually you will be writing this same kind of message to someone who is in your shoes...
   — cherokey55

November 25, 2002
Hi Stephanie, I understand the waiting game myself AND I also hurt my foot in July/Aug (hairline fracture) AND am low in the money department as well. Besides my family and friends and therapist to talk with, I needed to focus on other things like what my life is going to be like after surgery. I started eating like I've already had surgery, try to get more exercise (once my foot allowed me), and work on hobbies (arts and crafts), volunteer work, write out a will, clean out the closets, etc.. I know how obsessed we can get with this being our main focus, but you need to concentrate on other things so you don't drive yourself batty in the process. By the looks of your profile you are active in your church, perhaps you could find more to do through the church, volunterring, mentoring? I hope this helps. Feel free to contact me if you'd like another chat buddy. Best of luck to you....
   — chickiewickie

November 25, 2002
Stephanie, I know that the answer and encouragement you are looking for is in your own posting :-) I was blessed by your poem and maybe if you go back and re-read the poem you will be uplifted. I am 29 years old and weight 400# and am working to get approved for this surgery. I was denied 2x from UHC and am waiting for my new insurance to kick in from BCBS to see a new doctor. I got to a point where I just questioned God. It seemed like "everyone" around me was getting approve for wls on a whim and here I was in desperate need for it, being denied. But in my waiting process I learned there were some things I needed to get right. First I was in denial-big time- that I had issues with food. I literally thought my weight was just my cross to bear and that was my punishment. And sadly, I didn't believe that I deserved the kind of happiness that came with loosing weight. I am happy with all the other aspects of my life and thought my weight was just something I had to painfully endure. But God loves us and He doesn't operate out of negativity but out of rightousness. So whatever you are going through, know that there is something there for you to learn so you can teach someone else down the line. I love this website and I am always uplifted when I read someones story. There isn't a time I stated reading profiles that I haven't booh hooh cried rejoicing for someone on this site. I leave you with this thought..."But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." Vesta (you can email me at [email protected] if you'd like)
   — vesta D.