new here...step one done, some questions

thank you...I just absolutely hate pics of myself...feel ugly when I can't look good in clothes that look great on someone else.

a year?  wow...that seems like a loooong wait.  How much sooner were you physically ready?  I am a single mom with three kids and have only been in my job for just over a year, guess if it takes a year, it'll be two years, so maybe it'll be easier to take time off then?  LOL

((HUGS)) back for the support

i hated the way i look in clothes too, but don't personalize it. You're beautiful.

I'd been obese for 20 years, so a year wait didnt seem that long to me. I doubt it'll take two years. I was physically ready to go back to work (desk job) in three - four weeks.

Hi...welcome to the OH forum....
Most of the people on the Ontario chat are very helpful and there is a wealth of information here so ask away.....

I was one of the luckier people ....referral was made in Feb/11 - surgery was in Oct/11 (went through Toronto Western (TWH).....total wait time is noted below).  I have had no complications since my surgery other than when I eat too quickly; have vomited twice since my surgery as a result of this. 

Try to be patient throughout the process - a lot easier said then done....

And I completely understand about feeling "ugly"....but you have had 3 children and your body has gone through a lot....Our own perception of our body is something we may have to struggle with every day - even when we lose the weight and continue to see stretch marks/lose skin etc......
Self care is important....

All the best on your journey....

I think the wait time for referral is different for everyone. I finally gave in to my Dr in Feb 2011 after 3 yrs of her begging me to go the the Ottawa clinic and got my first appointment in April 2011 with appointments about 6 weeks apart. My orientation in July, dietician & behavorist were in Oct, group session and surgeon in Jan. My delay was waiting for a scope test. Once completed I waited 24 hrs and got my surgery date done, Feb 8th is the big day.
Sometimes to steps you go through can depend on any extra tests or conditions you may have.  

Please don't stress too much about how you look in pictures or clothing. You are taking a step for a healthier lifestyle and once you begin there is no looking back. I am the person who hides behind furniture, people or has a pillow in front of herself in photos. Yesterday I finally had to admit to my husband what my weight was, like he couldn't possibly guess how much I weighed. I have shed my insecurities as a part of my journey and have a picture of my current state to add to my vision board.

Good Luck on your journey!

for the ticker go under your profile and on the left side choose health tracker and enter the info there and select the type of widget

for the ticker go under your profile and on the left side choose Health Tracker and you can enter the info there and add a widget:)