Hi From Michigan - ThinnerTimes

'thann · 06-19-2007, 07:47 AM

Hello, all.

First of all, as you'll discover, I'm rather long-winded! Sorry 'bout that!

I'm 'thann (short for Ruthann) and I live in Belleville, Michigan. I have my initial consult and surgical consult next Tuesday at the Barix Center in Ypsilanti, which is only 15 miles from my home.

I'm 52 years old, 5'2", and currently weigh in the neighborhood of 270 -- I feel (and look) like one of those huge novelty balloons with teeny feet and a teeny head!

I had a mild battle with my weight as a teenager, but got to a normal weight and stayed that way (with some fluctuations) until I was in my early 30s. I gained a lot of weight after a miscarriage, and tried many diets to get the weight off -- I'd lose some, then gain even more (same story for most of us!). When I became pregnant with my son (who is now 16), I got preeclampsia and gained 100 pounds. I never lost that weight, even after many diet attempts, exercise plans, prescription drugs, gym memberships, etc.

Seven years ago I first contacted Bariatric Treatment Centers (now called Barix). I got terribly frustrated trying to find a psychologist to do the required psychiatric evaluation, and a sleep center to do an apnea study, that I just gave up. I know that things are better coordinated now, and I'll be able to get the pre-op testing done more easily.

Why did I pursue GBS again? I think we all have a "straw that broke the camel's back" story. Last Sunday I was at my son's girlfriend's graduation party. I stood most of the time, knowing that the flimsy outdoor chairs were questionable at best. I finally decided to sit in a canvas folding chair. When I tried to get out, one of the rivets popped and the chair nearly collapsed. This was in front of my son's girlfriend's father, a man I greatly admire. I was mortified. Thank God he is a gracious and kind man and didn't react to my embarrassment. At that moment I knew I needed help.

So, anyway, I've got all my paperwork filled out, questionnaires completed, and I am waiting excitedly for my consult in a week!

I discovered this forum (thanks, Google!) yesterday and spent a long time reading posts and "getting to know" many of you. I am very heartened at your stories, and hope to be able to add my own one day.

Edited to add: I'm happily married (28 years) and we have a wonderful son. Both my husband and son are named Ted, so I usually refer to them as "The Teds."

'thann

Livin' La Vida Lori · 06-19-2007, 08:03 AM

Welcome to the forum! Best of luck with your pre-op testing this time around!

CeeCee · 06-19-2007, 10:40 AM

Lots of good info here! Good luck!

MiladyB · 06-19-2007, 11:59 AM

Ruthann, welcome to the forum! It's so nice to see a fellow Michigander wandering the halls.

AriesGirl78 · 06-19-2007, 12:58 PM

Good luck with everything. I can totally understand what you mean about outside chairs... Skinny people have NO idea what it is like! Sorry you had to go through that, but I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason. That happened to you, and now you are in the process of changing yourlife forever! Best of luck, keep us posted! Take care, Renee

Eseret · 06-19-2007, 01:48 PM

Nice to meet 'cha! Welcome to the forum!

Teri

Mavisavis · 06-19-2007, 04:28 PM

Howdy neighbor..........and a big welcome to the board! We don't mind long winded around here.

I'm glad you found us...this board is truly awesome and you can give and gain so much from joining in. Good luck on this journey of a lifetime......hope to see more of you.

Luna Lurker · 06-19-2007, 11:20 PM

Welcome, you've come to the right place! Fasten your seatbelt, it's gonna be one of the most emotional roller-coaster rides you've had.

SDeRossett · 06-20-2007, 03:11 AM

So glad you could join us! I live in Northern Michigan. I can so relate to the chair thing. I can remember that I had to take the arms off my chair at work as I could not set in it with out hitting them and I eventually wore the material off of the arm rests and the remaining wood was snagging my pants. I also remember those plastic chairs the would cut into the sides of my legs when I sat in them, or the chairs in the doctors offices that had arms and I could barely squeeze into them. Very frustrating. Oh yeah, almost forgot airplanes! The last time I was on one I flew to South Carolina (wy father passed away) and the seat was soooo uncomfortable. Best of luck for a speedy process. You've taken the firt steps and are on your way! Keep us posted on your progress.

Sharon

JenBear7 · 06-20-2007, 10:23 AM

Welcome to the forum! You will find all the support you need and more here... Sounds like you are on the right path... G'Luck to you!