Welcome all Newbies to the TT Family! - Page 9 - ThinnerTimes

Pegsinthewoods · 06-20-2008, 08:34 AM

I am 5'3" and 253 pounds. I am fifty years old and will become a grandma for the first time this fall. I am in the process of qualifying for my surgery. I've spent quite a bit of time on this website and you all have been a great help with my decision. I was scared that I would fail like other times, (lose weight, gain it back, repeat), but the more I hang out w/you guys, the more optimistic I am becoming. I believe I can use this tool and have a long term success. Please continue your updates and info sharing. You've been great. Thanks

lifeismypoetry · 06-20-2008, 09:03 AM

Welcome Aboard Sweetie,

Thank you for such kind words and I feel the same way about the forum. It is so informative and helps making your decision so much easier. I am 3 weeks out of surgery and feel great... Just try to stay away from the scale when you do have your surgery because it will drive you bananas. I took these wise words from my mentor. She said she didn't start weighing herself until she was a year out from surgery.. She suggested that I take pictures every month, take measurements each month, look at your before and present pictures to keep you motivated, and to write down on a card something that will remind you why you are doing this for yourself. Carry it with you at all times and look at it in times of struggle. So, I hope these suggestions will help you as they have helped me so much so far.
Hugz,
Tina

Withacy · 06-20-2008, 04:34 PM

I just found this board, and found some wonderful information here!

I'm 44 years old, and yesterday when I went for the final signing off by my endocrinologist I was at a new personal high of 291 pounds. And I'm only 5'2".

My insurance covers the surgery, but I had to go through a lot of hoops. Including 8 nutritionist visits, 20 therapy sessions, and the MMPI. I had my first consultation a year ago in July. All those letters have gone to the endocrinologist and now he sends his approval to the HMO, which he says will take about 7-10 days to process. Then the tests, the referral to the surgeon and setting a surgery date. He tells me it will all take about two more months.

I've made my decision, I just want to move forward.

That's not to say I'm not worried about surgery. I've never had surgery (except dental). I've never been in the hospital (except when I was born and a few emergency room visits).

And I didn't come to this decision lightly. People (including my doctor and therapist) were mentioning it to me for years before I decided to do it. Then, about a year and a half ago I went with a friend to Australia. She was participating in the transplant games there (liver transplant about 8 years ago - she's 13 years older than me and in incredible shape). Being around people who clung to life and worked so hard was inspiring. They were also an incredibly accepting group, all of whom had their own scars and body issues; I did things with them that I would otherwise have been too self-conscious to do, like put on a bathing suit and go snorkling on the Barrier Reef. And during that trip I remembered that I used to like doing things. That I loved the ocean and swimming and traveling. I had become so isolated by pain - physical and mental - that I just stopped living. And I decided I wanted to live again, and rediscover all those things I used to love doing - and maybe a few new ones.

If I am able to get my surgery in August or September, my friend and I are going to run in the Princess 5K at Disney World in March. Even if it's more of a fast walk/jog. That's my goal.

And I think I've gone on long enough, for a newbie!

eli_far77 · 06-20-2008, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Withacy

I just found this board, and found some wonderful information here!

I'm 44 years old, and yesterday when I went for the final signing off by my endocrinologist I was at a new personal high of 291 pounds. And I'm only 5'2".

My insurance covers the surgery, but I had to go through a lot of hoops. Including 8 nutritionist visits, 20 therapy sessions, and the MMPI. I had my first consultation a year ago in July. All those letters have gone to the endocrinologist and now he sends his approval to the HMO, which he says will take about 7-10 days to process. Then the tests, the referral to the surgeon and setting a surgery date. He tells me it will all take about two more months.

I've made my decision, I just want to move forward.

That's not to say I'm not worried about surgery. I've never had surgery (except dental). I've never been in the hospital (except when I was born and a few emergency room visits).

And I didn't come to this decision lightly. People (including my doctor and therapist) were mentioning it to me for years before I decided to do it. Then, about a year and a half ago I went with a friend to Australia. She was participating in the transplant games there (liver transplant about 8 years ago - she's 13 years older than me and in incredible shape). Being around people who clung to life and worked so hard was inspiring. They were also an incredibly accepting group, all of whom had their own scars and body issues; I did things with them that I would otherwise have been too self-conscious to do, like put on a bathing suit and go snorkling on the Barrier Reef. And during that trip I remembered that I used to like doing things. That I loved the ocean and swimming and traveling. I had become so isolated by pain - physical and mental - that I just stopped living. And I decided I wanted to live again, and rediscover all those things I used to love doing - and maybe a few new ones.

If I am able to get my surgery in August or September, my friend and I are going to run in the Princess 5K at Disney World in March. Even if it's more of a fast walk/jog. That's my goal.

And I think I've gone on long enough, for a newbie!

and Congrats on your decision.

porkchop · 06-20-2008, 04:54 PM

Hello and Welcome,

I am fairly new here as well my surgery was 4/30/08. I am very happy to say that everyone here is very helpful and some are very funny. (I need a laugh now and then) I too never had surgery before and was nervous. But I am so so happy that I went through it. It's now in the past and I am just looking forward to the wonderful things to come. Good Luck and hope you get your surgery date soon.

Effie

lifeismypoetry · 06-20-2008, 11:05 PM

Welcome Withacy and porkchop to the TT family...

Withacy, your date will be here sooner than you think. Time will pass quickly for you... You will be on the loser's bench before you know it!!

Porckchop, welcome to the loser's bench!! I had my surgery on 4/29/08.

Both of you reach out anytime you need anything and we will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have...
Hugz,
Tina...

Claire-in-Texas · 06-21-2008, 07:11 AM

I love this thread. I feel the hope and the joy and the enthusiasm. Hold onto it. It's real, it's real, it's real.

This process is a tool for a new way of life. The tool is the key.

Some of us are older than others (check my age), but in this process we are all ageless. I lost weight in a similar manner to the general group, at an "average" clip. I''m now maintaining.

FEEL THE JOY! You can do this!!!

Welcome to all the newbies! I've been there, exactly where you are, I remember it well (I will never forget it), and rest assured that we are here for YOU!

Best of luck!

Pegsinthewoods · 06-27-2008, 05:45 AM

Well, yesterday I completed my pre-work. So far I have completed my classes, had an upper GI, an echocardiogram, taken my nutrition exam, and finally yesterday I meant with the psychologist. Now I guess I'm waiting for all of the information to be sent back to my surgeon and we can finally meet and either set the date or start dealing with anything that might have been revealed in the exams I just completed. The journey continues . . . I'm excited but also scared. I'm ready to go!

Mackie · 07-01-2008, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claire-in-Texas

Thank you so much, Mackie! Just think -- next year this time you will BE THERE!!! WOOOO HOOOOO!!!!

Remember - it's a journey, not a destination. And finding the road to that journey is the best feeling in the world!

A food addict in recovery,

Claire, tomorrow is almost here and I couldn't sleep last night.I'm scared
a little. I just can't say in words what I'm feeling right now, because my husband is sick and I started this before he got sick, but now I feel guilty.
Please pray for him we will know this afternoom if cancer is on the brain.
He has been cancer free for 2 years. I just love that I have found you all.
Thank you all for the help you have given me, Love Mackie

c

blisandt · 07-01-2008, 08:48 AM

Welcome Pegsinthewoods...

You are in good shape paperwise, it seems... (as am I)... here's to us!