The Candidate

Amazing change! Love the new hair color too! You look lovely!

The good thing is you have all of us to turn to at every step of the way! Stay true to your course and convictions. Never forget where you came from, but now it's time to focus on where you want to be! Congrats!

And another one clears the final jump! Good for you!

Your hard work has paid off! Congrats on such a major victory!

@ Thanks for one of the biggest laughs I've had in a long time! Adore people who see the humor in everything! I'm considering stalking you.

Congratulations! You couldn't have picked a finer day for the start of your new life! Take care!

Way to go! One more hurdle cleared!

Welcome and congratulations on considering weight loss surgery. We've all at some point or another reached an epiphany exactly like yours, that our weight has gotten so far out of our control that the only option left is surgical intervention. And with that revelation comes an avalanche of associated emotions, like fear, shame, hopelessness, and doubt, but on the flip side, also hope, anticipation, and a renewed sense of self. We not only go through a process with insurance approval, but an internal process, in trying to figure out what brought you to this pivotal point, and now that you're here, how committed are you to making all the necessary changes in lifestyle required? The fact that you're questioning yourself, in my opinion, is a good sign. You're giving the decision of WLS the due diligence it deserves. While the end results can be life changing, as with most things worth fighting for, it comes with no guarantees. This is not a fad diet, or the latest in weight loss gimmicks. You're voluntarily altering your body. You will never be the same again. That's a sobering thought. But if you're like me, never being the same again is exactly what you're hoping for! I know I'm willing to do whatever it takes to find a permanent way out of the ditch I've dug for myself. I envy you that you are pursuing this at a young age. You are giving yourself the gift of an extended healthy life, not only for yourself, but your family as well. Now that you've got your pinkie toe wet, I would encourage you to take the full plunge by learning all you can, here and with every other resource available to you! Good luck!

Wow, such a dramatic weight loss in so short a period of time, and you look great! Sorry you had such a rough start though. Way to bounce back!

It's a normal reaction. Mine is on the 29th and after all this time waiting, these last few weeks have definitely been the most surreal. My thoughts are all over the place! Good luck with your surgery. You're going to do great!

@ I'm so sorry that your insurance does not cover bariatric surgery. I know that must have been devastating for you to learn, especially after getting your hopes up. If my insurance hadn't covered it I would never have been able to afford it on my own. I'm holding out hope that some day soon the insurance industry will come around on the WLS issue, so that more people will have a chance at a healthier life. I hope you get your chance some day too!

Welcome and good luck on your journey!

What an inspiring testimony. I can't wait until it's my turn to utter the iconic "best decision ever" phrase. It's become the equivalent of a rite of passage.

Welcome! And a round of tremendous applause for your fantastic results!

You won't regret it. It's time to live that life you've only been dreaming of! And I'm 54 - it's never too late!

I salute you @@MSWMike I probably wouldn't have made it out of building under that kind of microscope. ????

I'm letting the fear of there being a small particle, of an infinitesimal smidgen, within the thinnest crevice of an outside possibility, of there being the remotest chance of an adverse effect, keep me in line. I've been looking for a reason to break off the affair, and this will serve nicely. They call me Pollyanna.

Always fantastic to hear when someone makes it safely to the other side! Get some rest and congratulations!

Coke Zero fanatic here! It's like giving up my first born. Dang. ????

How you're feeling is absolutely normal, I promise. I agonized countless hours and days over that qualification myself. Then the day finally came. Took all of 15 minutes. The psychologist made a point of putting me at ease right from the start. And she told me at the end that she was recommending me for surgery. It's easy to believe that they are looking for a way to deny you, but that isn't the case. They just want to know that you understand the ins and outs of WLS, and have realistic expectations. They dabble a bit in your family and weight history, and support system. Just casual conversation type things really. Seriously, I wish I could get back the time I wasted over many of the hurdles they make us jump. But I made it through and so will you, so just try to relax. Good luck!

You'll be in my thoughts. Congratulations!

You won't after surgery! In fact they'll have to pry that camera out of your hand. Dream of the future you have in store. It's coming!

It makes me smile too. ????. You're beautiful!

Jitters on your big day are normal. Try and concentrate on the end result, which is the kind of life you've only dreamed of living! Congratulations!

I'm so excited for your happy day, finally here, no more waiting! Just keep remembering all the wonderful things awaiting you - including a healthy life you've only ever dreamed of! We will all be thinking of you!