JCP

Lol! When I was a skinny teen I was so embarrassed by my prominent collarbones! What I wouldn't give to see them again!

This is a great thread. I binge eat. I am addicted to sugar. I need a period of time to modify my behavior and this surgery will provide that. I need to exercise but I am so exhausted and my body aches. A significant weight loss will increase my energy level and I will exercise. (I know I will because I used to do it regularly in the military and enjoyed it.) The thing that convinced me though was going to a support meeting and also talking with the surgeon. Yes, it is scary but now I am getting more excited each day. If you have not been to a group meeting, go and talk to people. It's not a miracle fix, it's a tool and an opportunity for those who want to do it. Prayers for you that you will find the answer that is right for you. One word of advise though; don't let fear or negativity make your decision for you! God bless.

My mom is passed now but bless her heart, she never understood my need for depression treatment. I tried so many times to explain that the meds helped me feel normal, not high. She'd feel guilty for having been a bad mom who caused me to need meds. And if something sad happened and I cried, she could not understand because she thought the meds were supposed to immunize me against sadness, I guess. I gave up explaining . Parents!

This makes sense! I could never figure out the size 0 thing! I was a waif in HS in the 70s and I wore a 6!

My hero! :-O

I'm excited for you, choosing! For all of us!

No caffeine... Boo! Love your avatar, Dexter.

Stupid iPhone!

Fat finger! It does take time! And not all masks will be right for you so please talk to your supplier about finding something more comfortable. But eventually you will look forward to that warm soothing current of air and you will feel tons better, your memory will improve, and you'll be refreshed after sleep. Who knew breathing was so important?

It does take time! And not all masks will be right for you so please talk to your supplier about finding something more comfortable. But eventually you will look forward to that warm soothing current of air and you will feel tons better, your memory will improve, and you'll be refreshed after sleep. Who knew breathing was so important?

It does take time! And not all masks will be right for you so please talk to your supplier about finding something more comfortable. But eventually you will look forward to that warm soothing current of air and you will feel tons better, your memory will improve, and you'll be refreshed after sleep. Who knew breathing was so important?

It does take time! And not all masks will be right for you so please talk to your supplier about finding something more comfortable. But eventually you will look forward to that warm soothing current of air and you will feel tons better, your memory will improve, and you'll be refreshed after sleep. Who knew breathing was so important?

It does take time! And not all masks will be right for you so please talk to your

You look amazing! You must feel so wonderful! Congratulations!

What really surprised me was how good my feet and toes felt after starting my cpap. I would wiggle my toes and marvel at how good they felt, as if I'd had a foot massage. I guess my sleep was so poor that even my feet were suffering! I never want to be without my cpap again, even if I lose all the weight and no longer have apnea. It really helps me sleep and I am no longer afraid of smothering in my sleep.

This fills me with encouragement! What an amazing accomplishment! You are awesome! You are truly beautiful.

How thoughtful and kind! It's a blessing to have such friends.

Talk about inspiring! This brought tears to my eyes! Your wife must be so proud of you. You have worked so hard and sacrificed and look at your life now! So much joy ahead for you! May you continue to grow stronger and have a wonderful new life with your wife and new baby! Love and blessings from Texas.

I wonder if he feels threatened and insecure about your success. As in, maybe she won't need me anymore. But even so, that's his problem. If you are not getting the loving support you need, I'd say run. I know, easier said than done. But I've been there. Was there for 10 years. Time lost and wasted. Don't let anyone bring you down. You are brave and are working hard. Be proud and happy!

Look how cute you are! I hope I can be that successful! You should be very proud of yourself!

One thing to add: I bought a cute bikini and have it hanging on my wall where I can see it every day. And I find myself doing google searches for "pretty dresses". So, yes, I am looking forward to shedding my 100 pound cocoon.

I am 56. In my teens through 30s, I guess I was attractive because the men swarmed like flies. It used to annoy me... I'd be free from one boyfriend and there were the others, like a bunch of vultures waiting for their opportunity. I wondered what would happen if I were ever disfigured or injured. Would anyone love me? Well, circumstances changed. Life happened, depression hit big time, and I started medicating with food. Now I am the invisible woman. Men - and women - look the other way. The don't hold elevator doors. I mainly just want to be healthy and feel good. But I also don't want to be invisible anymore. I will never forget what this has felt like and how cruel people can be. It has taught me so much compassion for others. That has been the silver lining.

I posted this under another topic but am placing it here since I am a newbie and want to share my story. I am 56. I was with my former employer for 22 years and hoped to someday retire from the company as I was very happy with them. I was then laid off (along with hundreds of others) when they decided to relocate the corporate office. I was out of work and looked very hard for a job for a year. I would get calls for interviews and the phone screens would go very well. But when I went in, I would literally see their expressions change as I am 100 pounds overweight (although I dress professionally, am well-groomed, have great teeth, good people skills, etc... So I'm not a scary freak show or anything!) The excuse then was always that I was "overqualified"... as if they learned something in the face-to-face interview that wasn't in the phone screen! Do they think I am stupid? LOL! I was humiliated and began to feel hopeless and depressed, which only made things worse. I finally got back on with my former employer but had to relocate hundreds of miles to do it, so I commute on weekends to my home and husband. It's been two years and still no luck finding a job in my home city, still the same result over and over. Time to get serious! So I had my first appointment on May 22 with Dr. Richard Peterson at Univ of Texas Center for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery in San Antonio. All of my fears were immediately put to rest. I feel so comfortable with him as a physician and am now really excited about the process. (And I have a huge amount of respect that he did two combat tours in the USAF.) I am making my way through the checklist and all of my appointments are scheduled. So far, nothing has presented an obstacle and my insurance covers 80/20. I am hoping for a Sept surgery (sleeve)! I will have it done at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Westover Hills, which is a new and very nice hospital. I am excited and hopeful for the first time in a long time. I am going to get healthy, buy a great suit, and knock the socks off all those companies that blew me off. I can't wait! For those who might be interested, here are some links to Dr. Peterson’s program: http://utweightloss.com/index.asp http://www.christussantarosa.org/meet-the-team

Thank you! I am trying not to take it personally because it happened to many of my co-workers as well, so I know it is not just aimed at me. It's their loss - when they pass up experienced workers because of age or weight, etc, it just costs them an opportunity to hire someone who can really contribute to their business. But even if if this all makes no difference job-wise, it will be a real blessing to be able to feel better and be healthier. How wonderful will that be? So that's my main focus.

Thank you so much!