Hi, Newbie here! - ThinnerTimes

Horseplay · 07-10-2005, 06:28 PM

I have been referred to The Brody School of Medicine ECU (NC) for my orientation on Monday, July 18th. It will be 3 hrs, fill out med history, and can't bring anybody with me.

This info is then taken to their surgeons for review to determine if I am a candidate. I have been lurkin' and wonderin' what this would be called....I hear so many different term...disertation...etc. and don't get it! LOL

I am a 44 yo mother of 2 girls...18 and 17. Married 25 yrs. Fat as all out, but am the physical type up till about a year ago. I am 337lbs last doc visit on May 2nd and 5'8". Don't know my BMI score either. I was a horsetrainer/ riding instructor and me ballooning has hurt my business enough that I closed it. Would love to go back to doing that, but not in this body for sure! I have always been a large woman, but shit, I can't walk long anymore. I know you have heard it all here, and tired of the "woe is me" (or should that be WHOA! hehe) posts.

Anyhow...nervous and looking at the diets, and just floating between "I CAN do this without surgery" but know that I sucked at it before.....who am I kidding. Oh, and what is the deal with the head shrinking I hear is necessary? So, what do I have to do? Get on their x-tra large couch and tell them I am out of control slob? Well....look at me! LOL

LOLOLOL How ironic, this thread posting window that I am typing into right now has in the bottom left corner...."increase Size" and "Decrease Size" I wish it was that easy! Brraraahhahhahaaaaa
Kathy

TabFox · 07-10-2005, 07:17 PM

We understand what you're going through, and you're not a "slob." Don't put yourself down. As far as the shrink is concerned, some doctors and insurance companies require a psych evaluation to determine if you're ready and able to deal with such a life-altering surgery. My insurance and doctor didn't require it. There are alot of hoops to jump through to determine if you're a good candidate, but it's for the best. It was the best thing I've ever done, in my opinion. I have no doubts that once you have the surgery, within a year you'll be back in the saddle again!

HAMPTON5555 · 07-10-2005, 08:06 PM

Yes, it is familiar woes, with which we share. We do so because we need to make a very important decision and it is one that will change your life forever. One way or another. So, carefully choose your doc, and really learn all there is.

It is not an easy journey, we will all assure you of that! But, if you so choose we will be here for you!!

Rain

Horseplay · 07-10-2005, 10:10 PM

Thanks Tabitha and Rain. I am personal friends with my reg doc. He is actually a pulimary specialist, and I hit the numbers and he wants me to do this lapro. I trust his judgement on doc pick, and they do accept my insurance so that is good.
I am getting some support from hubby (he is wishy washy-not wanting me to go under the knive and the normal fretting of surgery) my oldest daughter is against it, and my younger is go for it! LOL

I am sorry if I came across grumpy....I am! hehe I have sold off 4 horses, and still have 4. I have a basically good life, I just need to get out of this suit! There is so much I want to do, but can't. I have a blown ankle, bad knee that I never got fixed because I didn't have insurance at the time, we were self employed. Hubby and kids were, but they wouldn't pick me up....height/weight was the reason. I closed up the horse business, Vinny went back to a "real" job for my coverage....long story anyhow...I couldn't take chances with getting hurt or ill...would take the family down.

So, 5 yrs was the last I been to a doc! LOL My blood work was great, bloodpressure good, sugar levels (mom died a diabetic/triple bypass at 59) borderline. I need to loose this weight. I am scared, and I don't scare too easy! LOL I don't have a gall bladder...lost that puppy (the old fashion way) about 19 yrs ago, and both kids were C sections (my RR tracks) so I am not afraid to go under.

I am sorry I am rambling....just have only skinny friends! LOL Some don't get it. Anyhow, it is 1 am and need sleep. Got to work tomorrow...ugh! LOL Again, thanks for the replies!

Blueyz · 07-10-2005, 10:40 PM

Hi Kathy,

Just wanted to welcome you to this wonderful family of support

Mavisavis · 07-11-2005, 08:11 AM

Kathy,

Welcome to the board. I did the Psychologist "thing". I got the referral from the bariatric center, so she knew what they needed. She talked with me about the surgery to make sure I was educated about my decision......she asked me about my current life to make sure I was not trying to do too many changes at once, etc, then she had me take the MMPI. That is a test with lots of weird questions like "I like to talk about sex", "my Mother was a good woman", and "I think people are out to get me". The choices are yes/no.....it's to rule out any serious issues. If I came out normal, there is hope for all.

Good luck in the process and welcome to the board. I love your sense of humor.

Marty

pambragg · 07-11-2005, 08:30 AM

Kathy,
Welcome to the board, and best wishes on your journey. Our stats (my pre-op) are very close, I am just shorter! It has been an incredible year for me, down almost 160 lbs so far. You will do great and be re-opening your business before you know it!

Mavisavis · 07-11-2005, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pambragg

Kathy,
Welcome to the board, and best wishes on your journey. Our stats (my pre-op) are very close, I am just shorter! It has been an incredible year for me, down almost 160 lbs so far. You will do great and be re-opening your business before you know it!

Pam,

That's incredible!! You are getting so close to goal. I bet it feels fabulous. Have you hit major plateaus? Does it get easier or harder over time? Great job girl.

Marty

pambragg · 07-11-2005, 11:08 AM

Marty,
Thank you. Yes I am at a major plateau right now and it is not being helped by poor food choices. I'd like to lose another 20 lbs before I have any plastic surgery done. I anticipate losing about 15 lbs with the excess skin coming off. It has been an incredible journey and I am thankful every day that I did this.

LizardQueen · 07-11-2005, 11:42 AM

Welcome! We all understand and I don't at all mind hearing the woe is me stories. They make us who we are. I'm glad you have the ball rolling and hope that everything goes well for you the 18th. Please let us know how things are progressing with you!