Post Date: 6/17/12 9:10 pm 
 Hello everyone! I have been somewhat of a lurker the past few months. I realized tonight that this forum has given me so much insight and encouragement that I should probably make my presence known. I am hoping to be able to ask more questions and hopefully give some answers and friendship right back to you all!

My name is Monica, I am 21 years old and live in Wisconsin. I had my surgery on June 11, this past Monday. What an experience so far. I am happy and relieved but today the emotion**** hard and I am such a mess. Reading what everyone says has assured me that I am normal and just need to keep going through the movements, losing weight and eventually I will be so grateful for the surgery. Not a lot of my friends understand what I have gone though because I am fairly young and surrounded by many skinny minis. But my coworkers and family have been so supportive. 

I can't wait to get to know everyone; People my age, people who has their surgery around the same time as me, people who had the surgery forever ago, people with common struggles, etc!! It's a very warm feeling to know I am not the only one fighting this battle. 

By the way, I am trying to upload a picture but can't on my iPad... But certainly will when I can get near a computer. It's always fun to put a face to the words. 

Have a good night my new friends! 
Xoxo, Monica 

 Hi Monica! Welcome to OH! I am pretty new here also! I havnt had my surgery yet, but there are several post op questions I have... Hehe I want to save them until closer to time though :) 
I have actually downloaded a countdown app and I have 26--well 25 now, days until surgery! Hooray! :)
Good luck on your journey, I hope you find the encouragement/information you seek! 

 Welcome to the forum.

Welcome Monica!!!

Welcome!!!

Welcome  Glad to have you .

this site is the best gives you all the encouragement you really need. there might
be some you think you don't need. but you really do. everyone is diffrent. I will be having
my surgery on Wed.

Hi Monica,  I too had surgery on the 11th and I am feeling very emotional these days as well.  The surgery has totally messed up my taste buds and everything tastes bad.  I tolerated the Premier shakes during my presurgery liquid diet but these days I can hardly stand to drink them. I'm still pretty sore as well.

I have been unable to upload a pic of myself as everytime I try it says the file is to large. When I resize it ... it is still too big ughhhhhhhhhhh

Hi Monica,
I had my surgery the same day as you, so we are surgery buddies. Happy one week anniversary Buddy!! I am a good deal older than you are, but I do believe I know how you are feeling. I live in LA, surrounded by beautiful, skinny people. It is tough out here if you are not a size 2. I remember shopping for a dress for my daughter's wedding. I had lost a lot of weight and I proudly wore a size 14. Would you believe that not one "chic" store in Beverly Hills had a size larger than 10? Anyway, I decided that I needed to get this weight off for good so I can be healthy for me and so I can be around for a long time for my husband, kids, and granddaughter. I congratulate you on your decision. I will be thinking of you during our journey.

Nancy