New to the LW boards

Hey all! I have been an active member on the RNY boards for about 7 months. I decided to poke over here for some support too. It is hard to relate to others sometimes when my starting BMI is so different.

I am scheduled for RNY on January 18 after a postponed December date. I caught the flu and my fever wasnt well controlled, so I had to reschedule. I am from southern MN, and am having my surgery in St Louis Park with Dr. Jones.

I am 5' 10" and currently weigh 249, BMI is about 37. My highest weight was 265ish. My surgeon doesnt set goal weights, but I would like to get to 160. I dont know if that is too low, but oh well I guess.

Anyway, I look forward to getting to know all of you!

Even though I have fought my weight since I was 13 ironically I didn't actually hit a 40 BMI until right before my first surgery.  I was actually afraid I wouldn't be heavy enough to qualify for the surgery.  No where else in my life would I have been called a lightweight.

Qualifying for surgery was a huge concern of mine too. I met program requirements with my surgeon, but insurance was more difficupt. I am lucky to have an amazing PCP that assisted through everything and helped me win my appeal. It is kind of surreal to be called a lightweight. I also started battling my weight at about 13 years old, and have always been the fat one in my family. I am the youngest of 6 kids, 5 of us female. The pressures to look good and be thin, especially with an emotionally unhealthy mother, was almost too much. While my sisters turned to their own methods of comfort (drugs, alcohol, lots of boyfriends, diet pills, etc), I turned to food. For the most part, I no longer talk to my family members, other than my parents. After years of therapy and lots of time for self reflection, I know I am so ready to not be the fat one anymore. If you dont mind me asking, how tall are you? Did you have to get plastics? I have been wondering what the rate of needing plastics is in lightweights.

I also was afraid I wouldn't qualify because of my weight.  I had to do a 6 month supervised diet/exercise/counseling program before I could get approval.  I didnt follow the food plan exactly to keep my BMI above 40.  I knew if i fell below BMI of 40 it  would disqualify me and of course I would gain it back and have to start jumping the hoops again for approval.

I am 5'3" and started out at 240 in 2002, lost to 120 and regained 100 lbs and had a revision in 2010.  I was 44 when I had my first surgery and have had many pregnancies not to mention all the times I had lost and regained a lot of weight.  I can think of at least 3 or 4 times I lost up to 100 lbs.  So my body is shot.  I was able to have a pannectomy after my first WLS and even though I regained 100 lbs it bounced back great so I have a flat lower tummy.  The upper part not so much.  My insurance paid for that, thank God.  My breasts were terrible and I wanted to have a lift and implants but the doctor I went to wanted me to wait 6 months after the implants to have the lift and after 6 months they didn't look too bad so I didn't get the lift and I really regret it.  I would do it now if I had the money.  My thighs are terrible and my bottom is flat and flabby.  I could definitely use a lower body lift but again, finances won't allow it.  My arms aren't terrible.  I can live with them but if I could afford it I would pop for an arm lift, too.  And now that I am 55 I could use a face lift.  In short, I am a mess but at least I am not a fat mess.  I clean up well and look presentable in clothes.

Welcome aboard, Amanda! 

--gina

Hey Major Mom!  I'm in No. VA too.

Cool!!!  When Jody is in town we should all get together with Jolene and have a lightweight gathering. 

--gina

 

Absolutely!

Welcome.  Looking forward to following your journey.  I am 2 yrs out and 63.  I could use plastics in places but at this point in my life, it isn't a prority.  I look great in clothes and feel wonderful.  don't worry about setting a goal.  Your body will let you know when it is done.