doldes
Hi,
I am 53 years old and have been heavy all my life. I have tried many many diets and exercise plans and have lost only to regain shortly after. I have a sister 15 years my junior who had gastric bypass surgery 6 years ago. She has done very well and lost about 140 lbs total. I've thought long and hard about this and when my health started going down hill, I decided it was time. Last May 2007 I contacted Kaiser Permanate and requested approval for the surgery. Surprisingly, it took only a few weeks before I got my approval. The next step that I took was to attend a meeting explaining the total process I would have to go through. I have met with my surgeon twice, the Nutritionist, and had a psychosocial evaluation. I am scheduled for surgery on Jan 15, 2008. I hate waiting so long (today is Oct 21, 2007) but felt it would be easier for work if I wait until then. I know that the sooner I have the surgery and start loosing weight, the sooner my pain will ease up and I will fill more alive again. I am very nervious about the surgery as I have been cut on only 3 times in my life. Until recently I have been healthy all my life, and now living with pain is not my idea of fun. I have low back pain that goes down into my left leg. Several doctors agree that once I begin loosing weight, that pain will go away. I can use all the encouragement that I can get. Please be my friend and let me know your experiences, or even if you have not had your surgery yet. I would like to know who has or is going through the same issures I am. I guess we can all use some support.
Thanks, Debbie 
