Starting Again~

Back in 2002 my husband and I went to Bariatric Treatment Center in Ypsilanti, I was approved for the procedure, but my husbands boss changed our health insurance. There have been many things that I have allowed to stand in my way of going back. I think the most being fear. I called today, and set up another appointment, it is for March 16th. I then found this website again, and came right away, I know I will NEED the support of others. I know I will want to chicken out:help:. I will be checking in here on a daily basis trying to get more info and understanding on how things work. I do not want to give up this time. I have put on almost another 100lbs, I just can't do it anymore. I am 37, a mother of 3, a fostermom of 3, soon to be grandmother, and a wife I NEED TO LIVE!

Congratulations on making such a great decision. We are all here for you no matter what, and believe me, i am the biggest chicken ever! This decision was so worth it for me. Hugs Linda

I am just starting... I am just waiting for surgery date.....But believe me I am here for you may not have alot of experience but I am a great person to talk to and give words of encouragement....

Congrats to you on making your 1st step towards a new life. I too was scared to have surgery. I am almost 11 months out now, and feel great. This is the best thing I have ever done for myself. Being scared is a natural feeling. Wishing you the best.

I chickened out for 7 years and now can't get my 7 years back. I wish I could have done this back when I should have. I am now 38 and could have done this when I was 29 years old and maybe not had as many skin issues etc. and also could have enjoyed the last 7 years as much as I am enjoying life now! I am not always happy, and life is still a daily struggle like for most people, but I am not sore every morning, I can move and go places with my family, and I am not constantly scared I am going to have a stroke, heart attack, or develope diabetes. I will be completely honest with you though. This is NOT a cure all answer for your obesity. It is however, the boost you need to get started finally with a healthy lifestyle. You will still struggle with food issues after surgery. Some of us struggle with wanting to eat alot again awhile after surgery and some of us struggle with not being able to get enough in, but, the thing is, we have the fight in us. I remember before surgery, I would give in EVERY time to my food cravings. Now I stop and think and most of the time make good choices. I do have off days and I do struggle. You will still need to excersize and plan your food and vitamins etc. But you will find that you will be MOTIVATED to stay thin. It is a great tool. Wendy

Hi My name is Tonya also 37 years old who have thought about this process for many years. Sixteen months ago I started the paprer work but stopped. My health now feels like a women twice my age and this cannot be my future. I now have sleep apena that requires me to sleep with a C pap machine . Girl we both have so many years ahead of us but without health what would we have. Feb 2007 I had my consultation with Dr David Kam and today my paper work is complete with aprroval fom my insurance company. This is my time for change and it could be yours as well. You have to decide are you happy with the quality of life you are living. If no do what you need to do for real change.

Good luck to you, Tracey, as you start your journey. Wendy said it very well, though, this is a difficult journey at times, many times, but it is a fight worth fighting. I spent five years researching and deciding on this surgery. Two years ago, I could not imagine where I would be today, 210 pounds lighter. I work at it very, very hard, but it is possible with my "tool", my little pouch. The OH board is a good place for support, and read as many profiles as you can. There are many outcomes to this surgery, most of them positive. Debra M.

Thank you for your support! I really need it...I know this will not be a cure, but the tool I need to help me be sucessful. I have always been very active, even with my weight, the past month or so, I am really feeling my weight. I don't think I really ever have before. Most mornings I have to tell myself, I'm not 18, I don't feel my age, but am starting to feel my weight, I figure my age would be next... Tonya~ My appointment on March 16th is with Dr. Kam, can you tell me alittle about him?

Dear Tracey; It is a huge descision; and I am a newbie. I had a couple complications; but I would still do it again.. I am three weeks out from surgery; my date was Feb5. I am still struggling somewhat with getting in my water and protein; but everyday does get better. I know that I made the only and best descision that I could to have a better life; and a longer life.. I am a wife, mom; and grandma also. I want to dance with my hubby, and do things with my family! I took things very seriously when our doctor in dec. told me I was diabetic! My Aunt died at only 57 from complications of diabetes; I am only ten years younger than that. I feel I have had a lot of wake up calls recently. I also have a friend I met on here named Dawn V.; she is also 47. She wanted to have WLS; but just had a heart attack and triple bypass!! She was also just diaginosed diabetic. I strongly believe that we are only given so many chance and wake up calls. Are you listening to your soul?? Do you feel that this is right for you?? And is it getting more urgent?? If you can answer these with yes, then you are doing the right thing. There will be fear; that is normal.. I wish you the best on your journey. Listen only to your own heart first! Keep negative people and energy out of your life; and devote yourself totally to this if it what you want.. Ask any question anytime; the people on this board are great.. Hugss.. Judy R.