HunyDarling

Hello Everyone, I'm a new member. I thought that I should introduce myself and join a support network. I'm scheduled to see a nurse practitioner for a first appointment at New York Presbyterian/Columbia, on 09/22/17. I've been a bigger girl most of my life, losing weight and gaining. This time I'm at my heaviest. I have high blood pressure and pre-diabetes due to my weight (runs in my family). I am so unhappy with myself and embarrassed that things have gotten so bad. I just want to be healthy and live a long life to be here for my son. My biggest fear is that I will die from health related issues, like my mom did when I was a kid. To make matters worse, I have absolutely no support system. My parents are deceased and the rest of my immediate family are strongly against me getting surgery. They've told me that having the surgery would be a stupid thing to do. They said that I'll never be the same and that I'm going to kill myself (no biting tongues). I'm not going to lie, I'm scared too. I will have no one to escort me to and from the hospital, or be waiting for me when I wake up from surgery. I will not have anyone to take care of my son while I'm in the hospital. The father previously told me that he will not do me any "favors" looking after our son for any reason outside of his visitation. A neutral aunt initially agreed to look after my son, but changed her mind after considering the troubles she might encounter (son has ADHD). It would be very sad if the only thing preventing me from having surgery is no childcare. As you can tell, I have a lot going on. All of this has made me feel scared, isolated ,and lonely. So, here I am in search of new friends. Thank You, HunyDarling

Hi, Maryvsg87! I'm a single mommy, trying to get the sleeve done so that I can be around as long as possible for my son. I have hypertension and pre diabetes. I just had my first appointment today at NYP/Columbia. Oh boy...all the requirements seem so overwhelming. I was able to schedule 4 appointments today. I do not need a sleep study. However, I need 6 consecutive months of PCP visits. I'm going to need an endoscopy, abdominal ultrasound, echo cardiogram, pulmonary functioning test, psych evaluation, and nutritional seminar. The test that has me the most worried is the endoscopy. Hate the feeling of choking and not being able to breathe.

I am 32 years old, turning 33 November 4th.

Thank you everyone for replying to my post. My first appointment is coming up tomorrow at 9:15 in the morning. I am excited and nervous. I'm not sure what's going to happen during my visit. Can anyone please share with me what happens during the first office visit?

Hi, AmandaC86! I currently live in the Bronx. I am guilty of being an emotional eater too. Hang in there, we will get through these stressful times. It's a long journey, but worth it.

Thank you, vampire85. That is very sweet of you. Being a mommy has left me with no social life outside of my family. I'll get right on figuring out how to send you a message, since I'm still learning how to navigate this site.

Thank you, Sosewsue61. I will look for some type support group. I most certainly could benefit from being around other parents with ADHD kids. Unfortunately, I wouldn't be able to rely on my neighbors. They are not approachable people (drugs, hard partying). I a full-time student, working on a second degree and looking for a career change.

I live in the Bronx.

Hi, OutsideMatchInside! Thank you for your response. The aunt I mentioned earlier told me about two cousins (whom I wasn't in touch with) who had the procedure done earlier this year. So, I am hoping to establish a local support system with them. Regarding a babysitter, I'll have to carefully review my options when the time comes.