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Goals

Be able to ride a bike and enjoy it like I use to.

2 People
 in progress, 
3 People
 achieved this

wear a jacket because I am not running so hot.

0 People
 in progress, 
2 People
 achieved this

Run three miles

10 People
 in progress, 
3 People
 achieved this

Shop in regular sizes instead of Plus Size

31 People
 in progress, 
34 People
 achieved this

go up a flight of stairs without having to pause at the top to catch my breath.

11 People
 in progress, 
20 People
 achieved this
View Other Goals
Surgeon Testimonial

Bipan Chand M.D., F.A.C.S.
* What was your first impression of him/her?
Very professional, clean-cut, and intelligent!
* How did your impression change over time?
Has not changed.
* How would you describe his/her office staff?
Obviously, not everyone will be friendly at every moment of the day, but 98% of the staff have been wonderful to work with on a monthly basis. They all seem to take pride and care in their work.
* What did you like least about him/her?
He seemed rushed, but it was understandable.
* What should future patients know about him/her?
To feel comfortable and that you are in good hands!
* How much does he/she emphasize aftercare?
Have not taken those steps on my journey yet.
* How did he/she address the risks of surgery?
Since I do my "homework" I know the risks of the surgery, but Dr. Chand was very thorough and is confident my surgery will be a success.
* How would you rate him/her overall?
9.5/10
* Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or are both great?
Both are great, but since it is my life in the surgeons hands I feel surgical competence overrides just a little bit. I can handle rude bedside manner more than putting my life in the hands of an unsuccessful surgeon!
Latest Surgery Support Comments

  • Comment by franRN76 on 11/19/10 10:23 pm
    Hi there. Just saw the good NEWS!!! Congrats on getting the approal for surgery! It is just around the corner.
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atarr's Blog
atarr's Blog


I cannot stop thinking about my surgery
on October 7, 2010 8:31 pm
After attending my first support group at the Cleveland Clinic earlier today, I realized how soon my surgery is. Although I know it's coming quick, I can't seem to sit still without thinking about it and wanting it to come even quicker! Seeing all of the successful people made me want my own success even more. I suppose this sounds crazy but I wish I could fall asleep and just wake up on my surgery day(; But I know that's not realistic, unfortunately.
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My Story

Where to begin..well I will reveal my earliest memories of my childhood and dealing with my weight. I can remember being eight years old and being on a diet. My whole life has revolved around that single word, "diet." My weight put a hold on many aspects of my early life - kids at school picked on me horribly until about eighth grade. Up until that point, I did not understand what a friend really was. Being picked on constantly is something no child should ever endure, no matter what. I suppose I can say I broke out of my shell in eighth grade, which really encouraged me and actually saved me from all of the hiding out I was doing my whole life. I became quite popular and it has continued until this day. I continued to battle my wieght, even with the acceptance of my peers. The lowest weight I can remember being in high school was 280 pounds - that was after my third try at Weight Watchers. High school was pretty normal for me and the idea of surgery never entered my mind until about a year after high school. I feel that my wieght has restricted me the most at this stage in my life. It has kept me from being myself - I have lost a lot of confidence in the past year or so. Even though I am making a life for myself, which many people don't find important these days, I still feel at the lowest of my lows. I know this surgery isn't a cure all but I want to have a life without any restrictions. I want to go to Cedar Point or Kalahari with my friends without feeling uncomfortable. I want to be able to take ANY class in college and not have to scope the room out before the semester starts to make sure I can fit in the desks. I want to feel comfortable enough with myself to share a relationship with someone else. Acheiving these goals are important to me and my future. I began looking for surgery in March 2010, turned down by St. Vincent Charity Hospital in May 2010 - they said I was too young and not capable of handeling the surgery. I began visits at the Cleveland Clinic in June 2010 and am waiting to finish up my six-month insurance requirement which will be over in November! I'm looking to have surgery suring winter break from college. I wish everyone who has read this the best of luck in whatever ventures they have taken to help themselves become healthier and hope to gain friends and support from this website(: