Introducing Myself

I've never posted on this forum, but have been on it almost everyday (stalker: LOL). I've been a member on OH since 09. Browsing, seraching, reading, comparing bleh, bleh, bleh. Now I need to introduce myself and give a brief rundown on my story. I'm a 33 year old mother of a 13 and 10 yr old, married for 13 years. I am 5'4 and weigh 235. I have struggled all my life w/ my weight up and down roller coaster. I was in a car accident in 2004. I've had 10 back surgies, and needless to say things have just been down hill from there. I suffer from many things, high cholesterol, GERD, errosive gastritis, bladder incontinence, depression,borderline sleep apnea, borderline diabetic, deppression, always out of breath just walking up stairs, severe pitted edema in my hands, feet, calfs, & ankles. I am limited on my excersice because of my back. The daily thing that others may take for granted: walking, laundry, dishes, putting on your underwear is soo hard for me. Everyday is a struggle. So really I'm in a catch 22 - The weight is hurting my back, but I can't move that much to get the weight off. I've done 2 years of research and finally have decided that I want my life back, I want to be healthy. Funny story on how my journey started. All the testing started in June 2011 which needed to be done to get answers on my edema. Had the colonoscopy and Endoscopy done 7/26 that's when we found out about the GERD & gastritis. GI doctor told me stop smoking because of what it's doing to my belly etc. He showed me pics of my belly. HOLY CRAP!!  I've been a smoker for 17 years and knew I had to quit any way for surgery. SO 7/26/11 was my last smoke. I do socially drink - that's the hardest part (STILL).
Turns out all that testing was the same tests for WLS. Wahoo - a few steps ahead of the game. Everything has happened so fast. Take a look at my page for my quick timeline from testing to approval. Here's one thing I did do: I have personal choice as my carrier. I sent them a letter on 8/15/11 explaining my situation, why I'm getting all these tests done, basically a heads up for what I want to do. Yesterday (8/30/11) at 8:00am. I had a pre-op meeting w/ a NUT @ Abington and told her she was my last stop, and she said she'd send over my info to Personal Choice but it will take 2 weeks for them to let me know. She called me @ 4:00 yesterday with the news that I WAS APPROVED!!!!! My date is set for Sept 21 for the VSG. OMG this is really gonna happen. Can't wait to share pics, and stories, and now offically use this board for support and help!!

Hi Kelly! Wow, you've had a rough time. I think you are making a great choice! The surgery won't solve all your problems but it's a great bet that it will make them a whole lot easier to deal with. I don't have the same issues you do but I am familiar with pain from everyday activities. I am 2 months out and already I feel a ton better. I move better, my feet don't hurt. My knees are better and my back is bearable most of the time. It gets better all the time!

Welcome and congratulations on your approval. You'll be on the losers' bench in no time!

Welcome Kelly!  Wow our stats are very similar...I am 47yo, 5'3" and started my journey at 235 as well (I also have a 13 and 10 year old). 

I can tell you that you have a whirlwind ahead of you (fear, regrets, worry, excitement, healing, feeling better, confidence, love for your sleeve)!  I never dreamed that I would be sitting 2 1/2 months out saying that I lost 60 lbs, I feel like a million bucks! I too suffered from chronic back pain, knee and joint problems, and severe edema in my ankles and feet.  I only just started exercising a few weeks ago, I took up bike riding which seems to be easier on the joints for me.  As you get healthier, you will find that you WANT to try and get moving.  It is so hard to exercise when your in pain, so don't do it until you are ready. 

Remember the first month you just need to be good to you!  Take care of yourself, follow your doctors plan, and find your support in your family.  My 13 year old was sooo helpful while I was healing (I'm divorced), she really wants to see me happy and was willing to do the lifting and even prepared some light meals.  She still brags about that.

I am looking forward to your posts!!

Ann

Welcome Kelly...you are in the right place!

fay

Hi Kelly and welcome! This is going to be an awesome journey toward good health for you and we are so happy that you let us, here at OH, become a part of your journey. September 21 is not far away. You must be so excited.....I am certainly excited for you!!!!
Congratulations and I am sure that we will "see" you here more now that you have started on the path to better health.
Take care,

Ahh this is great - Yes I feel the love already. It will be another milestone of accomplishments that I will get by with the help of everyone here. Thanks for the warm welcoming.

Welcome, Kelly!  I'm also a member of the bad back club!  It was my orthopedic surgeon who said I needed weight loss surgery before I had spinal surgery because I was too fat for the back surgery!  Then the spinal surgery had some complications, so I can really relate to everything being a struggle.  I live alone, and things I used to take for granted I either can't do at all, or they hurt!  So take good care of yourself, follow your surgeon's guidelines to a tee, start now getting the sugar and simple carbs out of your diet, and start drinking water like a fish :-)  You will do just great and will feel so much better in just a few months!
--Dorothy

Hi Kelly,
I am all new to this as well. Just joined a few minutes ago, having vsg sept. 26. I am excited for a new life and a little scared at the same time. So many disappointments with weight loss in the past. Hoping to be buddies in our loss!

Now you just have to work on getting some pics. I don't have many people I try to avoid the camara like it's the plague. Yes we will be doing this "together" we are very close in dates. This is great to have a support system and somewhere to turn!

I feel the "love & support" wahooo I can't wait.!!