I remember I came to OH for the first time on the day after Thanksgiving last year.  I didn't make a profile nor post for a long time but I remember surfing around and reading posts and wondering if I had it in me to follow through with the surgery... and if I did so, which surgery to have... etc. 

A few words of back story - perhaps you can relate.

Thanksgiving 2014 I was at my top weight. After an 18 month program of weight loss, during which I had lost 14 pounds, I had just regained all I had lost with some extra - I had gained close to 18 pounds in fact so I was heavier than ever.  I felt ridiculous, embarassed, lethargic, you name it.  My knees were so painful and so worn out I was using a cane to get around the house.  Walking the 50 feet from my driveway to my backdoor required a rest stop.  And I had to stop twice more going up the 6 steps to my back door.  Thanksgiving 2014 was painful mentally and phyiscally and I knew I was too young to be throwing in the towel.  I wanted and needed help. My PCP had asked me if I had ever considered Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) and I was offended. I always said, no way! I will do it myself! But last year on Thanksgiving I realized that I Couldn't lose the weight and keep it off without help.  I wrote the email that changed my life:  I wrote to my PCP and asked for help,  The next day, the Friday after Thanksgiving, my PCP wrote back and called too;  she referred me to two different WLS programs.  

I called, made my appointment and started my journey. I also came here to OH (and to other Bariatric sites) and started researching. I had my surgery on April 4, and I have lost 94 pounds to date. It feels like a miracle, and in some ways it is - but WLS is not a magic wand.  I have worked my butt off and expect to do so not only to reach my "goal" but also, to work my butt off every single day for the rest of my life. This doesn't bother me because I have a life again!  I exercise, I walk, I dance! I wear heels and dresses (because I like them).  I am finding true joy in moving and in living life.  My life began again.  WLS isn't a miracle, but it is a gift - one that I chose to make use of, every day.  There are no short cuts and I have a TON more to learn, but I have a good support network here and at home.  I intend to keep up the life-long fight and will continue to give back to the community, and to learn from all the members here.  

But back to you, new lurker. WELCOME.  you've found the best place on the web to learn, to grow, to receive (and give) support.  You will see posts from members who are many years into this journey - true veterans of the process who will share their knowledge and their experience with you.  You won't be coddled, necessarily - but if you keep your head open to new information and are willing to be honest with yourself, you will grow so much from being a part of this community.

All the best to you.

Christine

I also joined this time of the year 8 years ago. It's been a crazy, wonderful journey!!

Great post Christine!  Congrats on your success :)

Wonderful post. There should be a sticky on this.

There are a LOT of different stories here, but I think your experience is by far the most common. I'm really glad you took the leap.

The thing that more people here say than anything else, is "Why didn't I do this sooner."

Great post Christine!

Welcome to any lurkers - there is great support here, if you don't see the right advice for you post a question - you will get an answer!!

Glad to know you're doing so great, Christine! And I'm glad I'm not the only one who finally discovered the joys of dresses and heels -- I feel a little like I'm going through a second puberty at 30!  

ME TOO!! (With regard to the dresses and heels)

What a great post! I'm a newbie here but lurked for a bit and have loved all the help even without having to ask my own questions.

Great community!

All I can say is, "GOOD FOR YOU!!!!"  Congrats on your progress.