New Girl

Hello all!  I am fairly new to your forum and have found it to be very informative and motivating!  I have been lurking around for the past few weeks but have posted a few times.  I thought I would share my story...

I am a 51 year old woman and I have never had a serious weight problem until the last year - I went from 125 to 225 in 18 months. 

I have a rare, chronic lung disease called BOOP and have been taking steroids (Prednisone) since November 2011 hoping for a cure.  The disease leaves me very tired and weak feeling most of the time.  I am unable to sustain any level of physical activity without getting pneumonia.  Needless to say the combination of steroids & inactivity has contributed greatly to my weight gain.  I also have been making very poor food choices.

I am also a recovering alcoholic, 8 years sober, and I think I have developed a food addiction during this time period as well.  I find myself not eating much during the day, but staying up until the wee hours of the morning watching TV or reading and constantly snacking - I then find myself trying to hide the evidence! 

Having not had a weight problem before, I am finding the extra weight very hard to deal with.  I do not like to go out in public - friends I run into do not even recognize me...I even avoid family gatherings when at all possible.  I am very comfortable isolating myself in my own home.

I did not think I would ever be considering WLS.  But, I learned in April 2011 that I have acid reflux and  aspirating which is preventing my lungs from responding to the steroid treatment.  I had a nissen fundoplication in 1998 to correct this problem, but after an endoscopy I learned that it has come undone.  

After consulting with 2 surgeons, I learned that I have motility issues with my esophagus and the only way they can help me is with RNY.  

I believe all things happen for a reason and have been able to make some peace with the new me...if I had not gained the 100 pounds, I would not qualify for WLS and would not be able to address the acid reflux problem and ultimately have healthier lungs.  

I am so looking forward to being healthy!  My family is very active outdoors and I have been unable to participate in any of their activities.  I have an 18 month grandson who doesn't understand that Gaga is tired and can't chase him in circles any more...

I have completed all the prerequisites for my surgery, but learned yesterday my insurance company denied my request.  I am working with the WLS clinic staff to file my appeal.  We both expected the denial because I do not meet their normal guidelines, but they are confident that I will be approved once the appeal has been submitted.  

I know happier days are ahead!

Thanks for letting me share - and I look forward to reading more of your stories and sharing in your triumphs!

Welcome aboard. :)  I'm glad you found us.  I wasn't heavy long either before qualifying for WLS, so I think I can relate. I hope your insurance company will come around quickly so you can get your life back.

--gina 

Welcome to the lightweight board.

Unfortunately I have almost always had a weight problem...from age 12 on up and I am now 58...

I'm sorry you are dealing with a chronic lung disease.

Liz

 welcome, i hope insurance approves soon.    good luck

Chris, welcome to the LW Board.  I hope they get you approved for your surgery and I hope that it helps with your medical problems and allows you to become active again.

Please keep us updated on your progress.

Linda

 Welcome!!  This is a great venue for support.  Good to hear your WLS program is fighting for you.  Hang in there...healthier days ahead.

Welcome, Chris.  I'll be swinging that you get a quick, positive response from your insurance and that RNY fixes some of your issues.  Many of us had co-morbidities before surgery and they are gone now or significantly improved.  Let's hope the same thing happens for your problems.

Welcome to our LW Board Chris!!  I'm so glad your Drs. office is helping you with the appeal.  Keep us updated!

You have been through a lot in recent years. I hope your appeal is successful and that you can safely recover from surgery. This is a great board....keep reading and researching.

Good luck!

~~Jennifer

 Welcome!  This is the nicest board on OH!!!!  I don't post a lot but I read everything.  Keep us posted :) and good luck!