mookie1

Just a quick hello from chilly Edmonton, Alberta. Yeah! It's cold and snowy...best put on some layers on top of the usual "no one will notice I'm a chub with 2 tank tops, 3 sweaters (including the one your grandma knitted for you when you were 12-you know the one that was huge in the body, one sleeve that looks like it was fashioned for an immigrant Giraffe and the other one, well, let's just say "you should just be happy with the one sleeve and stop complaing!") and the always eligant "Ode to a canvas window awning" parka. "And in this corner!!" My stats... Surgery is scheduled for March '07. Dr. Cobourn in Toronto. 5'2 and 220lbs a daily struggle with the laws of physics. "Rubenesque in shape" and hoping that the surgery will be a great sucess and take away the "why am I always the biggest person in the room?"feeling. I'm thrilled to have found this support site... Peace out! Michelle

Spill it...What are some of the most ridiculous diet tips and solutions you've ever rcvd? Tape worm in pill form! A freakin' parasite! That's your "Honey, you have such a pretty face" advice? Rather than suggesting something like going for a walk together...you'd rather see me with a Tape Worm thriving in my intestines!!? Don't worry I'll reciprocate the kind advice... "Yes, this coffee does taste funny. It's a special blend and is even more delicious followed by an insecticidale chaser."Enjoy..."come again!" Michelle

I've thought about this regarding my own situation-surgery in March '07. I don't plan on telling anyone at work. My concern is that the normal to skinny and the " I just eat whatever I want" gang would be judgemental. I found people just think chub's are lazy and weak minded and if we actually truly tried and put down the fork once in a while we'd win the battle. I'm on this journey with my friends and family at my side. The receptionist through to the Big Wigs don't need to know. As soon as someone at the office knows you're on a diet, out comes the comments. Aren't you on a diet? How many pounds do you have to lose? And everyone seems to have "a friend" who was on this diet and /or that diet. Nosy office co-workers say:"The grapefruit diet works well!" "oh, you've tried that one and it didn't work? weird!" me: "yes, I tried it and it didn't work." Nosy office co-workers say: "Did you try it while skateboarding backwards down a hill, in a pair of Jordache jeans, legwarmers and jelly shoes from the 80's?? me; "No..." Nosy co-workers say:"Well that explains it...you're dumb and fat!!" Kidding aside...do what you're comfortable with. You may find all the support you need here, among people who know the up's and down's related to your journey. Michelle

Hi Guys, I’ve looked into this surgery over the last few days…I may be obsessed. The clinic I’ve looked into http://www.obesitysurgery.ca/ http://www.theplasticsurgeryclinic.com in Toronto has been very helpful and I’m confident that I’ve made the right decision. My surgery will be sometime in March ’07. If you’d like to explore this avenue, please go to the link. Here are the steps re: surgery at the Surgical Weight Loss Centre. · Go to the linked site mentioned above · Read through all the info · If you need clarification on something, send them an email or give them a call · My questions were (probably the most asked question)” 1# How much and must I sign away my first born?”, I also wanted to know 2# the size of the scar and 3# the amount of time I’d need to recover before going back to work. · Answers provided within 24hrs: 1# 16-17k, 2# scar of about 1-2” with 4 small circular indents around the scar, 3# about 7-10 days. · Since I don’t have piles of $ stashed away under my mattress, I contacted Medicard http://www.medicard.com/ (link also found on the site) · Completed the application and received an answer the next day. (unusually proficient in my opinion) · The max the financial company will lend is 15K so I dipped into my savings for the rest. My process for those who’d like to know: · Complete the Patient Questionnaire and send it on in.-(said with a Texas twang) · Check with your own Dr. re. a full blood test to make sure there aren’t any secondary issues causing the weight issue. Discussed the surgery with my Dr. My Dr. will also write a prescription for pain med's and send it into my pharmacy incase I need to be on them longer. · Once you decide to go ahead, you must make an appointment to speak with Dr. Cobourn ($200.00 –if you go ahead with the surgery the amount will be deducted from the total cost of the surgery. (this appointment is running at about 2 weeks to chat) · To book the surgery you must pay $500.00 to hold the date of surgery. (non-refundable if cancelled) (surgery dates are running at 6-8 weeks or better) · 2 weeks before you have the surgery you MUST be on a strict liquid diet. Click for info www.Optifast.com. · You MUST meet with the Dr. the day before (probably to make sure we are really fat. There are so many imposters! This is the only time when being a “chub” works in our favour.:hungry: ) And plan to stay about 3-4 days after to ensure there aren’t any problems or issues. · You MUST have someone with you those first few days or you can pay for a nurse to stay with you. (my sister is coming with me) · See the site for local Hotels near the centre. · I’ve booked two tickets with www.westjet.com –cost about $1500.00 · Head back to work when you’re ready…I’m not telling anyone at work about this surgery. I have my reasons. There is so much shame around being overweight that I’d rather just go through the transformation with my family and close friends support. I’m sure there are people out there that agree. · Lapband Fills are done by a Dr. in Calgary. I’ve been saying “I’ll start my diet tomorrow” for 15 years. And I’ve gained over 100lbs with this ridiculous plan. I’m in my 30’s and have wasted too much time-not going here or there due to being so uncomfortable in my own skin. I’ve also taxed my body by taking all sorts of meds to help with the day to day aches and pains. Wishing you all great success and peace with wherever your journey takes you. Michelle