Me = Newbie! - ThinnerTimes

ryker · 04-27-2007, 10:59 AM

Hi everyone!

I am new here (obviously) and wanted to introduce myself.

I'm a 24 year old female, living in the Washington, DC area. I have been obese my entire life... as far back as I can remember, in fact (which is HYSTERICAL, because I weighed 4lbs 8oz when I was born). I weighed upwards of 200lbs by the time I was 13 years old, and have slowly gained weight continuously over the years. By the time I was 16, I was up to 235. I lost about 20 lbs on crash dieting, then put on 70 immediately after. Needless to say... that was my crashing point into the "Screw it" area.

I am maxing out right now at 361 pounds and 5'9" (wow that's the first time I've said that out loud in public :P). Despite that I have no co-morbidities (I AM insulin resistant with Acanthosis Nigricans, but I do not have diabetes), I am no longer "comfortable". I have lower back pain, I am developing a right knee problem, and I am really tired of all of the self-consciousness I have been developing recently. And the bottom line here, I realized, is that if I don't do something now... all the co-morbidities I don't have NOW, I will have very soon. So...

With that said, I am scheduled for the lap roux-en-y on June 25th, 2007. It was originally scheduled for August 21st, but I couldn't wait that long, so I pushed the nurses to see if there was anything earlier (I was out of school the day they handed patience out, I guess). My insurance approved the surgery within 24 hours. It was shocking.

I am very nervous, and very excited. It's an interesting mix. My doctor (Amir Moazzez) has been incredible, as have all of his nursing staff. I have all of the tests and blood work I need to have done scheduled, and it will all be done before the end of May, so I will have a full month to freak out about the surgery. *Freak out freak OUT!*

It's hard to believe that all of this is actually happening, honestly. Because I have always been big, I have no idea what to expect or what it will be like to be "thinner". I have no basis for comparison. Even when I was a little kid, I was shopping at Lane Bryant. I have never owned a "normal" pair of jeans in my life. Air plane seats are a MISERABLE experience, not to mention buses and trains.

However...

Now that the reality of how big I actually am is starting to sink in a little bit, I am looking forward to all of the things that I can't physically do now, that I'll be able to do AFTER surgery. I want to play paint ball. I want to play laser tag. I want to go skiing. I want to ride a horse. I want to join a local volleyball team. I want to go to the gym and lift weights. I want to be able to go hiking and camping without feeling like I'm going to pass out from the heat and exertion. I want to go on dates without constantly looking at the guy I'm with and thinking, "Dammit, I'm bigger than he is. Ugh." I wanna be out in public and not feel like all eyes are on me! I guess the bottom line here is that I want to be ACTIVE. Something I find very physically painful to be right now.

I am very much looking forward to participating in this group. Everyone seems very friendly and welcoming, and I am very glad to have run across all of you.

I'm sure this will be a fantastic experience, and I can't wait to see the "new me"!

- Ryker

PS: Here's a photo of me so you don't have to wonder what my FACE (at least) looks like.

I won't bother you with the before/after full body shots until I at least have surgery! Haha

PSS: My skin's not actually that red, the lighting just sucks. :P

hummingbird5953 · 04-27-2007, 11:12 AM

Welcome Ryker! I'm still pre-op too and, while all of my testing will be finished by Monday (4/30), you're ahead of me in that you have a surgery date already.
You'll find tons of great info here if you haven't already.
Good luck in your journey and can't wait to see those before and after pics!!

JenBear7 · 04-27-2007, 11:41 AM

Welcome Ryker.. I am betting we are going to have close surgery dates.. I am still waiting for mine. My starting weight for this journey is 361!! Couldnt get any closer lol.. I am 5'10" so I basically dont need pics to know what you look like.. I can just look in the mirror. (Well actually I am down to 323 as of this morning). I also have never been thin. I hit 200 by highschool.. and used to use a black marker on my jeans, so no one could see my waist size LOL..

Gratz to you for doing this while you are still young! So much life ahead of you! I look forward to watching your journey!

LyndasRoom · 04-27-2007, 11:47 AM

Hi RYKER!!!
Welcome....I can SO relate to your story, I was under 5 lbs when I was born too...absolutely hysterical! Best of luck...hang out with us...we'll either keep you sane, or drive you over the edge with the rest of us!

ryker · 04-27-2007, 11:48 AM

Awwww thank you guys so much for being so supportive.

I'm hoping that being young will help in the skin-popping-back part, but I know not to expect miracles!!! hahaha

Cinerbelle · 04-27-2007, 12:34 PM

Welcome to the forum!!! I am 5'9" too and only weighed a little less then you when I had my surgery. You will be amazed how fast the "wow" momments start happening after your surgery...and amazed at how fast the time goes by. How cool that you are having the surgery while you are in your 20's...that many more years for you to enjoy being skinny!! I can't wait to watch you on your journey!!!

pegasus · 04-27-2007, 12:41 PM

our surgeries are close..... mine's the 28th of June...... we'll have to compare notes......!!! good luck, stay positive, and before ya know it we'll be on the Loser's Bench.......!!!

ryker · 04-27-2007, 01:08 PM

I'd LOVE to Peggy!

I'm really excited about the surgery to tell you the truth (as well as scared like hell, but I guess that's a given). I even have a response planned for when my older sister (who will hopefully be there on the day of my surgery) asks how I'm feeling when I wake up... "Like someone's been digging in my abdomen with a knife."

LOL. That's my humor... by the way. I make jokes.

Thank you, I'll be here all week. :P