Another Newbie - ThinnerTimes

PastorTim · 09-16-2006, 09:49 AM

I am another one of those folks who are just beginning the process. You all know how this story begins. I have been overweight my whole life...blah blah blah.

I have been thinking about this procedure for years. Last year, my wife and I adopted our daughter. Her name is Melissa and she was 13 when she came to live with us. She came from a terrible background and she came to live with us through the foster care program. She just wanted a mom and dad to love her and provide her with a safe place to grow up. She has been wonderful. Hasn't always been pleasant

but it has been rewarding and we have had 100 good days forever bad one.

Any way, a few weeks ago, she went to bed and my wife went to bed too. I was finishing up some things down stairs when Melissa came back down. That was very unlike her. She had just had a nightmare and wanted me to come upstairs and sit on the edge of her bed while she went to sleep. You know how it is, like I was going to say no... I sat there and she held my hand and was asleep in no time. I watched her sleep there on the bed and it was at that moment I realized I had to do something. This girl was going to have a life that I wouldn't want to miss. A future which included high school and college graduations, a wedding and a very bright future. I was in to talk to my bariatric doc 2 days later.

To date, I have completed all of the required information sessions, met both the doc and the surgeon, and got a lot of blood work done. I am going in next week for a scope to look at my stomach and I am going in for a sleep apnea test the following week. I have turned in all of my paperwork, including my diet and exercise history. I have even ran a couple of 5Ks in the past couple of years, so I turned in pictures of that.

I thank all of you so much for your writing on these forums. It was so helpful to read about your experiences to begin to know what to expect. I am hoping for surgery in late October or early November so I can be back on my feet by the first of the year.

Any advice you seasoned veterans have for a rookie at this stage of the process?

You guys are an inspiration!

AlabamaChick · 09-16-2006, 10:08 AM

Sounds like you are moving along in your process. I will be excited to hear when you have a date. I'm happy you found us here. This forum is fantastico!!!!! The only advice I can give you is......STRAP YOURSELF IN! LOL

SDphotogrl99 · 09-16-2006, 10:23 AM

I wish you the best of luck!! Welcome to the forum. Your story about your daughter was very sweet

LyndasRoom · 09-16-2006, 10:35 AM

How exciting! What a lucky little girl Melissa is! My only wish is that I'd done this when I was younger, your age. My son is a senior in high school this year...he is so excited about the changes in me, and I am constantly amazed by him. I'm so glad you've found us...take one step at a time, and it will be seen through.

Mavisavis · 09-16-2006, 02:59 PM

Hey, welcome to the board! I am also an adoptive parent. I wish you well on this journey, it is lifechanging.

coptergirl · 09-16-2006, 04:06 PM

Hi Tim, and welcome to our little forum family. I like the advice to strap youself in, but would also add: read everything you can get your hands on. Melissa does need you, and I am so very glad you found us!!!

PastorTim · 09-18-2006, 04:38 AM

Thank you to all of you who responded. I am going in for the scope on Wednesday and I have a sleep apnea test the following Tuesday night. I am in the process of getting my insurance paperwork together.

I will keep all of you posted. I can't wait to join the century club. That will be a great day for me!

eyesthatkissu · 09-18-2006, 04:56 AM

Children are the best motivation! I decided to have my GB because my youngest son was in his first and only fight, because another child made fun of me. I understand how you feel. COngratulations on taking the first step to becoming a LOSER!