Hello everyone....Newbie here.

Welcome Melissa!!! My dad is 550 lbs .. probably more now.. but he is "too busy" to have the surgery right now he says.. which we own our own business, and i told him there is never a time to be too busy to save your life! Hes terrified of it, but wont admit it.. i love him so much, and i know thats what it takes for people who are extremely morbid obese to lose weight! Esp. with diabetes.. Im praying for you girl!!! And rooting you on.. (((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))) Jen

Hello Jen; Hun I am so sorry about your dad........men are so proud sometimes they do not want to admit being afraid of something my dad is the same way he can not hear and with each year it gets tougher and tougher for him to hear but he will not admit theres a problem so I can understand that. Thank you so much for your kind words. I am not afraid to admit I am scared to death about the surgery because my mom doesn't want me to have it. She believes I am not healthy enough to have it and with all the problems I have had trying to have it done she says that something is trying to tell me that it is not meant for me to have the surgery. She has almost talked me into thinking the same way because with each step I take towards getting close to having the surgery something comes up to make me have to take 5 steps backwards. Then there are days I just want to crawl into a corner and forget the whole thing maybe my mom is right, but then I look at my daughter that has missed out on so much because I was not able to go and do with her. She and her brother is my only reason for living and for them I want to be there. They give me just the push I need to keep trying. And yes I want it for myself but not as strongly as I need it for them. I want to say thank you to all that has left me a message, it truly means the world to me to hear encouraging words for once instead of always hearing all the cons not to have it. I need to hear them so badly it hurts I am so impressed with all you guys I have seen some amazing results with the surgery for you guys. I am so very proud of each and everyone of you. I know I do not know any of you yet but I would consider it an honor to have any of you for a friend. I believe that in your life there are people that come into your life that help to save your life and its not by mere chance that I met a lady in a spades league in pogo that told me of this site I will always be very grateful to her. I wish each and everyone that has been through the surgery continuing success and to those waiting as I am the very best of luck in a speedy reply and a successful surgery and quick recovery. Hugs & Love to all my new friends I feel that you are all God sends. :angel: Melissa

Hi Melissa!!!! Welcome to the BEST board in the world!!!!! I am so glad you found the board it has been a life saver to many people...me included!!! I hope everything goes smoothly for you with your doctor appointments. I live in Easley, so I am not too far from you!!! There are several of us who meet in Greenville. We meet on MOndays. We will meet tonight. I am not sure where yet, but someone will post it today, We would love for you to join us. We have people from all over the upstate. You will get tons of love and support here. We have all been there. Please keep us posted on your journey!! Looking forward to getting to know you!!! Melissa

Today's the day! Best of luck!! Love, B

Hi Melissa! Just wanted to add my "Welcome" into the chorus of hello's you've received already. How did your appointment with Dr. Puls go today? I have my fingers crossed that he gave you the Green Light to pursue your WLS! Let us know ... we're all pulling for YOU! Dawn

Well today was a complete disappointment, my brother was suppose to take me to my appointment in Greenville but it didn't work out that way. He was unable to come and get me so I ended up rescheduling yet again another road block. So now it will be next Tuesday before I can see him. I have to laugh to keep from crying. I mean will it ever end...lol. But I am not giving up onwards and upwards. :) I will let tell all when I know more. Hugs; Melissa P.S. How do I put a picture on here? I understand that you have to have them already on line somewhere but where is the best place to do that at? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Melissa, I was so sorry to read that you had to miss your appointment due to lack of transportation. I am e-mailing you my home phone number, and if that sort of thing comes up again, I hope you will consider calling me and allowing me to drive you to your doctor. I would be so happy to do that! My sister has the worst luck with life in general, and she is always telling me that she has to laugh to keep from crying, too. I am so sorry there's another delay for you, Melissa! But nope nope nope don't ya dare give up! As far as getting a picture for the message board or your profile goes, someone else said it much clearer than I ever could, so here's a link to a post on the Main Messageboard that explains all of that: http://obesityhelp.com/forums/amos/action,replies/board_id,4856/topic_id,3084279/cat_id,44 56/a,messageboard/ Hope that helps! Dawn

That's my motto - keep laughing. My belief is that there's always a reason, though I may not know it. I'm where God wants me to be. It brings me peace. Thinking about you and sending good thoughts your way! Love, B

Welcome, Melissa! Believe me, I understand what it's like for everyone to say "You COULD lose weight if you tried hard enough -- I know someone who did!" You won't find that here, and you won't find judgement here. We're all rooting for you! *hugs* Lisa