http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/ New to the Thinner Times forum? Say hi to everyone and introduce yourself! en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:24:17 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/ http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40737-hello-new-friends.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:01:43 GMT Hi everyone!! May I just say that you guys are AMAZING! My name is Aleria and I registered on the site a couple of days ago. Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of reading a few of the postings and I continue to be delighted by the care, compassion, honesty, and optimism of... Hi everyone!!

May I just say that you guys are AMAZING! My name is Aleria and I registered on the site a couple of days ago. Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of reading a few of the postings and I continue to be delighted by the care, compassion, honesty, and optimism of everyone here. Thank you all for sharing so much of yourselves.

I had my gastric bypass on April 21, 2008 under the watchful eye and magical hands of Dr. Andrew Averbach. I reached my goal in less than a year and after a lot of leg work, have recently been approved by my insurance company for a thigh lift w/lipo and tummy-tuck (including muscle tightening) w/lipo, plus my mom has given me a wonderful gift of breast aug and lift. So, at the tender age of 40 (as of a few months ago - yeah me!) I am going through a "rebirth" process. I'm excited and nervous about the upcoming procedures - which will be done in two separate operations. The first is scheduled for Dec 29th. Yeah!!!! That's the good stuff. :D

Now the bad stuff... :( ... Being a year-and-a-half out following the bypass, I can attest to the fact that it REALLYy does become so much harder once you've allowed the simple carbs and sugars to creep back into your life. I am a firm believer that there is some sort of addictive element to those things which feed the compulsive overeater's mindset and the disease of obesity. Some days all I do is eat junk - tiny bits, but still junk...then I feel horrible and pathetic. Plus I still FEEL fat and berate myself - even as I stand in front of a clothing store mirror trying on size four jeans. I used to be a size 22/24, but now I feel like a size 14, although I know I'm wrong. I actually love my new size (did I mention that Dr. Averbach is a genius?), but I realize that my mind has not caught-up with my changing body and that's part of the body distortion, I suppose. So things in these two areas have been a struggle for me lately. Very few people are aware that I had bypass surgery and, except for one instance, I have not joined in with any support discussions or meetings. I have read some of your postings from time-to-time, but now I feel that I need to open myself up and join-in because I have found that I need people and friends like you who TRULY "get it", instead of going back to my old friend The Food Monster. I'm also hoping that my experience, especially with dealing with insurance companies, will help others.

Okay, back to more good stuff... :p I'm a single mom of three amazing kids (18, 14, 11) and I've been in an on-again/off-again relationship for 12 years with my SO and father of my youngest child (the older kids were from my marriage). The kids think I had surgery for an ulcer and that's why I can't eat much and lost all the weight. I didn't tell them about bypass because they were so adament about me not having it done whenever I brought it up in conversation. I'm sure that in time, I will tell them. I can't tell you how many times I said "thank you, God" for the operation. It was the BEST decision that I have EVER made for myself. When I went through it, I did it alone and I came out a stronger person. But I still feel badly for not having told the kids the truth. I didn't want to hide anything else from them, so earlier this week I told them that I was having reconstructive surgery to remove the excess skin. They aren't thrilled about me going under the knife again, but they understand. They don't realize that it's going to be more painful for me than the bypass - but I don't feel it's important to worry them. At least this time, my SO will be with me and that makes me feel better.

What also makes me feel better is having you guys here to talk to. And may I take a moment here to say thank you to Beth (MILADYB). You've been so gracious with your time and sharing your knowledge. It has helped me prepare myself better for my upcoming PS. I really appreciate it.

Thanks everyone for opening the door and allowing me to join you on this lifelong journey.

Aleria :p ]]> Introduce Yourself Aleria http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40737-hello-new-friends.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40723-canadian-newbie-eh.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:43:29 GMT Hey Everyone!

I always wish I had something more witty and brilliant to say in an introduction, but it makes it hard to get all of the facts out, so here goes.

My name is Laura, and I'm 23 years old. I was born and raised near Manchester, England, and moved to the oh-so-cold province of Ontario when I was 6 years old. I learned to call this chilly place my home, and now couldn't imagine living elsewhere.. Okay, so maybe I'd like to live in California or Mexico or wherever else is ridiculously warm all year round, but sadly I am now a true Canadian at heart and would probably miss it here.

I wouldn't say that I have always struggled with my weight- being slightly overweight was pretty easy. I wasn't really teased as a kid (I was tough, and no one dared utter the "fat" comment), and I was usually accepted into whichever social circles I liked, so in a lot of respects I was pretty lucky! But at the same time, I was always my biggest critic. I constantly fought strong and hard against societies 'norms' for weight, because like any minority, I didn't think it right for any one to be ridiculed..

The struggles I did begin to have were health related, and came early in my teenage years. I was diagnosed young with PCOS and insulin resistance. No biggie, right? Pop a few meds, get a bit of exercise and voila, problems solved. Unfortunately for me the meds I took for insulin resistance did more harm then good and made me very ill.. I spent years trying to take them and after so long, washed my hands of the entire idea.

I got comfortable in a job, and decided to spend the big bucks to hire a personal trainer who was renowned as the best in Canada for results. I busted my bum 5 days a week, pushing myself beyond any boundaries I thought ever existed. My weight loss numbers were always low, and after 18 months I became so down and out over it that I packed that in as well.

Now enters in WLS!!

I approached my GP about the idea of Gastric Bypass, and had a few appointments to talk over what I'd read, and what he could tell me, and I was promptly put on a waiting list to start the journey of appointments.
I've read some people say "It took SO long, it was a 4 month wait for a consultation.".. Man.. I wish! It took 18 months to even get an appointment with the dietitian to find out if I was a good candidate.. 18 months of waiting for a damned phone call from this office. Let me tell you, it felt like a hell of a long time.. In that 18 months I met the man of my dreams, moved 100 miles from home, and changed careers. It WAS a hell of a long time!

Eventually I got the ball rolling and began meeting with Doctors.. Dietitians, Social workers for Psych Evaluations, taking bariatric courses, meeting with surgeons, seeing a heart and lung specialist, going to a sleep clinic (my most hated part), and eventually doing pre-ops and then waiting for my day! I got called within days for a cancellation on Nov 3, and reluctantly took the day because I was so panicked it was only two weeks away.

Now, I don't know what y'all had to go through, but did anyone get asked to do the two weeks of Opti-Fast?? Ugh.. That was a very long twoweeks of awful tasting milkshakes. But it's all for the greater good, right?

I marched off to surgery day, and I suppose the rest is history! My surgery was laprascopic, and I was out within three days.. I'm currently 16 days pre-op and am feeling pretty good! And let me tell you, I'm having a great time off work relaxing with my partner and catching up on all the best films.

I know this was a long intro, but that's how my story goes..

I really look forward to talking with you all about all the lovely things I have to learn, and really just being able to chat to people who have gone what I am going through.. It seems silly, but living in a small town in Ontario means that I really don't have anyone to relate to.. Adversity brings us together, right :)

Take care everyone
Laura ]]> Introduce Yourself Behind.The.Lense http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40723-canadian-newbie-eh.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40713-yes-indeedy-i-am-newbie.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:24:58 GMT So I believe my name says it all. I am 3 years out from my bypass and at a complete standstill with my weightloss. I got pregnant and gained 25lbs with the pregnancy and cannot seem to lose it. I had an egd done today and the surgeon was going to do some sclerotherapy. from my understanding, i... So I believe my name says it all. I am 3 years out from my bypass and at a complete standstill with my weightloss. I got pregnant and gained 25lbs with the pregnancy and cannot seem to lose it. I had an egd done today and the surgeon was going to do some sclerotherapy. from my understanding, i was still groggy when he came to talk to me, but he said he couldnt do the sclerotherapy because i had a hernia (that explains the heartburn). So what's next? ]]> Introduce Yourself At a standstill http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40713-yes-indeedy-i-am-newbie.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40712-aloha.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:13:20 GMT Aloha My name is Julia and I am an Army wife, I have been married almost 10 years. I recieved my referal at the end of August and because of phone # issues I did not get my class invite until this month. Tomorrow, I have my first educational class for WLS. (My husband will be coming with me) ... Aloha

My name is Julia and I am an Army wife, I have been married almost 10 years. I recieved my referal at the end of August and because of phone # issues I did not get my class invite until this month. Tomorrow, I have my first educational class for WLS. (My husband will be coming with me) I also have to go to 2 other classes about nutrition and something else next week. I am excited and scared. I am ready, but I also have alot of questions. I have read Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies...cover to cover, and 2 other WLS books by Drs and patients. I have a few friends that have had WLS and all their stories are different, so I know my story is yet to be written. I have read alot of the stories on this site and have decided its time to stop being a voyeur and step up and introduce myself. I am making a journal to keep track of my WOW moments and when they happen. I want to remember all the struggles I have now that I am fixen to lose.

I live on Oahu and would love to hear from other dependents that have had this surgery through the military.

Julia ]]> Introduce Yourself JuliaLynn http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40712-aloha.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40709-introductions.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:18:20 GMT Hello Everyone,

My name is Ashley and I'm 25 years old. (Turning 26 this March.) I'm married to a wonderful man that's in the military and we're currently stationed at Ft. Sill Army base in Lawton, Oklahoma. We have 3 dogs, but no kids as of yet. Currently, I'm a student finishing my undergraduate degree in Psychology and considering on pursuing a master's as well. I should graduate this May.

I found and joined this site because the stories shared here and the people here, I find perpetually inspiring to me. One of my biggest concern with any kind of weight loss surgery is that it won't work for me. I've tried everything else and failed, so why would this be any different? I even know some other people who have had lap band or gastric bypass surgeries, and yes they lost weight initially, but eventually they would go back to the same size they were before. What's to keep me from doing the same thing?

All that goes to say that you people give me hope. Hope, that if you can lose the weight and keep it off, then I can too. My weight gain is a direct result of emotional trauma and abuse. Which I'm sure that isn't surprising and many other people have similar stories so I won't bore any one with the details. But basically from a very young age I used weight a self-protective measure to keep people away from me. I also tend to be a very introverted and private type of person, and keeping people out of my life and being vague about the details is what I do best. (A good example is that to this day, I've been married 4 years, together for 6, and I've never told my husband how much I weigh. Not even when I was "thinner" when he first met me did I share that # with him. Infact, I haven't shared my exact weight with any one other than a Dr. in over 10 years. On top of that, I've avoided going to the Dr. for the past 3 years because I'm so ashamed of the number.)

My hope and prayer is that this site can be a place where I can be utterly honest about who I am and the way I feel. My weight and previous abuse has been the catalyst of my life and I'm ready to get over it and move on. So here goes, before God and every one else on the internet to see...I'm Ashley and I weigh 295 pounds as of this morning and I'm a size 20/22.

My journey here is just beginning. I'm in the early stages of the surgery process. I still need to meet with a Dr. (first time in 3 years is a little nerve wracking for me.) and even see if they will consider giving me surgery. (My hope is that I will be approved for the lap band surgery.) I think I will be a good candidate because, my BMI is 45, I'm young and relatively fit considering my size. So far, my first Dr.'s appointment is schedule for the 1st of December. Then I'm not sure what my next steps are. Right now I'm just trying to jump through the first hoop, which is getting to see a Dr. Wish me luck.

Thanks again to every one here. You are all so inspiring, keep up the good work. God bless!

Ashley ]]> Introduce Yourself ashiesteggie http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40709-introductions.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40701-its-been-month-anyone-here-illinois.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:37:31 GMT I had my gastric bypass on Oct 19th and was wondering if anyone out there is from Illinois and maybe had surgery near my date? I was struggling with weight loss (what I though was too low) but then found this website and started reading and found out that I am about normal. This made me feel so... I had my gastric bypass on Oct 19th and was wondering if anyone out there is from Illinois and maybe had surgery near my date? I was struggling with weight loss (what I though was too low) but then found this website and started reading and found out that I am about normal. This made me feel so much better! I'm hoping to find support here for my journey ahead. ]]> Introduce Yourself mpatience3 http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40701-its-been-month-anyone-here-illinois.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40699-stefania.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:57:14 GMT well hello all my name is stefania im italian american mother of 4. iam 31 yrs old and i will be getting gastric bypass hopefully soon ive been thru all of this last year with a surgery date scheduled and at the last min denied by my insurance now i have different insurance and a diff doctor so... well hello all
my name is stefania im italian american mother of 4. iam 31 yrs old and i will be getting gastric bypass hopefully soon ive been thru all of this last year with a surgery date scheduled and at the last min denied by my insurance now i have different insurance and a diff doctor so hopefully i will only have to redo a few things to start i did my first meeting as if i was a new patient friday i do a group meeting with a dietcian and another one after that then hopefully a date will be set from there so wish me luck!:D ]]> Introduce Yourself RetroNails http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40699-stefania.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40694-3-years.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:56:53 GMT Hi my name is sharon, i am new to forums, but here goes, I am 3 years post gastric banding surgery. I started at 119kg and now weigh about 83kgs. Still have about 12kgs to loose and struggling somewhat Hi my name is sharon, i am new to forums, but here goes, I am 3 years post gastric banding surgery. I started at 119kg and now weigh about 83kgs. Still have about 12kgs to loose and struggling somewhat ]]> Introduce Yourself shazratt http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40694-3-years.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40693-hi-everyone.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:44:34 GMT Hi iam from Australia,I had two gastic bypass cause with the first one I stayed the same weight for a long time,I had lap band before that but I had to have it removed.I started on my journey 1997 and finish my last surgery in 2001.I went from 125kg to 78kg..are there any Aussies on here?? Hi iam from Australia,I had two gastic bypass cause with the first one I stayed the same weight for a long time,I had lap band before that but I had to have it removed.I started on my journey 1997 and finish my last surgery in 2001.I went from 125kg to 78kg..are there any Aussies on here?? ]]> Introduce Yourself Aussie Girl http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40693-hi-everyone.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40689-colorado-newbie.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:33:08 GMT Good evening new TT friends. I am taking the plunge to thinner times. I am a Kaiser patient that has going through first consult. I start classes in January I was denied two years ago for not having any major heath problems. HA HA I only wished I fought harder my vision would not have been... Good evening new TT friends. I am taking the plunge to thinner times. I am a Kaiser patient that has going through first consult. I start classes in January
I was denied two years ago for not having any major heath problems. HA HA I only wished I fought harder my vision would not have been affected. This year I was accepted.Last February I was diagnosed with Psuedo Tumor Cerebri. I have Too much Spinal fluid build up in my head that does not drain causing build up of pressure on the Retinas Giving me blind spots.( think i need my eyes for what I do as my carreer) I have no vision problems seeing, the only thing I noticed was one day I bent down stood up to pitch black for a couple of seconds. A common thing people get is headaches and vision loss due to blind spots. I had no headaches at all. I made a vision check for me and my son. That day I had a CT ,following day a MRI, and with in the week a spinal tap. I was told by Neuro two choices LOOSE WEIGHT or GO BLIND. I also could live on LASIX for the rest of my life and in surgery I can not just leave a patient at any time. My Choice is to loose weight and spend all the time in the world enjoying my loving family and a great surgical career. I have a great husband and supportive family. My hardest part in this is being the patient and putting me first. Looking Forward to January's to start my plunge to a skinnier and healthier me. thanks for reading! ]]> Introduce Yourself karip http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40689-colorado-newbie.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40683-oversea-success.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:40:20 GMT I am new to the site. I had surgery in Germany with Dr Shang in June 2009 and reached 100 pounds lost yesterday. Feel great and looking forward to bottoming out so I can stop buying new clothes every other week. This was a good site for reference and research when i was considering doing the by... I am new to the site. I had surgery in Germany with Dr Shang in June 2009 and reached 100 pounds lost yesterday. Feel great and looking forward to bottoming out so I can stop buying new clothes every other week. This was a good site for reference and research when i was considering doing the by pass vs the lap band. Went with the by pass and have not regreted my decision yet (except when the hamburgers and pizza get pasted around). I have found many new ways to eat fish but Tuna and Salamon, because I ate so much, still make me feel like I want to vomit. I have learned to limit them to only once a month each. Thank goodness for shrimp and other fish. ]]> Introduce Yourself Walt85Vet2003 http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40683-oversea-success.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40677-hello.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:08:16 GMT Hi there I am 54 years old.. and from Pittsburgh waiting for approval right now and nervous. Dr. EId is my doc. I have about 100 pounds to lose.
I really need to do this for my health.. but I am a "foodie" I love to cook ( I have been on PBS locally infact) I am used to great food.. and so I worry that this joy will be gone.
I am looking forward to a new life but not the sagging skin and all that goes with that... so...?? somedays something inside just feels insecure.

Glad to meet all you brave and interesting people. So many say to me this is the "easy way out". HA!! Not at all.. I know it is work and more work.. so I really admire all of you!! thanks for letting me join you! ]]> Introduce Yourself Ninababy http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40677-hello.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40674-im-new-here.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:27:14 GMT Hi, I just found this board and thought I would introduce myself.I'm Kelly :) I'm a 34 year old mom of 2. My son is 2 and my daughter is 7. We are a military family stationed in Germany. I have been thinking about the bypass for a few years now, went to my doctor and started the process! I also just learned about the "sleeve" and I think that is the surgery I am leaning toward. I have an appointment with a surgeon on Jan 18 and will go with the procedure he thinks will help me best. (I am seeing Prof.. Weiner in Frankfurt, Germany) I have over 100 pounds to lose, my bmi is 44 (I am 5 ft 8 and weigh 290) So technically I have 140 pounds to lose. (I would be happy to be under 200)
I am excited and nervous about seeing the surgeon, but I am ready!
I am hoping to meet some people who have had some experience with the 'sleeve" and possibly people who have had surgery in a German Hospital. ]]> Introduce Yourself KellyinGermany http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40674-im-new-here.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40671-its-just-liz.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:47:01 GMT hi guys just thought id introduce myself here im a gastric bander of over 4 years and i live in the UK. had my 1st band 3.5 years which i lost 7.5 st with but it had to be changed a year ago because of tube problems, it wasnt an issue really for me and i just seen it as part of the ups and... hi guys just thought id introduce myself here im a gastric bander of over 4 years and i live in the UK.

had my 1st band 3.5 years which i lost 7.5 st with but it had to be changed a year ago because of tube problems, it wasnt an issue really for me and i just seen it as part of the ups and downs that wls can bring, what happened to me was rare, so please do not worry.

i have now lost 8st 10llbs so far on my journey and i have no regrets what so ever, banding was the correct op choice for me as it suited my eating habbits/life style. my life has now changed for the better in many aspects not just physically but mentally to. wls is a life changing thing to go through but its far from an easy option to take, it can and does work with hard work and commitment, if we work hard with the tool given what ever the op maybe then the rewards are there for the taking.

i wish you all well on your own wls journeys what ever stage you may be personally at.


thanks for reading :)

liz x ]]> Introduce Yourself 2.b.a.n.d.s.l.i.z http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40671-its-just-liz.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40670-new-girl-virginia.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:54:31 GMT Hi! My name is Toka. I had gastic bypass on the 11th of this month. Surgery went well. My only problem is that I'm having a horrible time sleeping and my heart rate is a little high.

Can't wait to meet you all!

Take care,

Toka ]]> Introduce Yourself kevinsgirl http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/introduce-yourself/40670-new-girl-virginia.html