New and nervous

[MB1 0]

Hello all!

Let me tell you a bit about why I'm here. I haven't talked to my doctor yet at all about my interest in the gastric surgery, but I have my physical on Thursday next week. I'm 5'3" and weigh 250lbs, and 25 years old. I was always chunky in middle and high school but always was able to keep under 200lbs.my biggest problem when I was younger was my breasts. I was a size B in 4th grade and 38DD by 7th. I remember asking my mom at 13 when I'd be old enough to do something about them. Long story short, at 16 I was a size 42H and had a breast reduction.

I was quite confident in myself after this, being about 190 lbs and having a 36C chest was pretty nice. For a while. I grew more after my surgery, but was still content for a good while.I slowly began gaining weight around the age of 18 despite my quite active lifestyle (I worked 3 jobs _1 including construction and wood splitting, and enjoyed being outdoors). I knew my reading habits were poor and just left it at that. When I became pregnant at 20 I was about 215 lbs. I became a little more health conscious and quit smoking. I lost weight for the first 6 months with very little effort, it was great! I looked amazing when I was pregnant, and ended up being only 200lbs at 9 months. I went down to about 175 after my daughter was born, I was ecstatic! I continued with my lifestyle changes yet my body didn't so much agree with me. I slowly gained more weight and reached 250lbs last year. I began to have increasing health problems and stressors in my life that contributed to depression and a realization that I was never a healthy weight, and I truly saw myself in the mirror for the first time as someone with a problem. I've become disgusted with myself, intimidated by healthier looking women and men, and ashamed to be around others.

There is a history of obesity, diabetes, cancer, back problems (herniated discs and spondylolisthesis) and heart problems in my family and I see all of that in my future. I've picked up smoking again to help with the stress, anxiety and fear, which makes everything worse. I've begun to have nerve pain in my legs + lower back, and I was recently diagnosed with celiac. My knees, ankles, hips, and back constantly hurt which has made it difficult to work out the way I used to, which is discouraging.

I don't know where else too turn. I see myself going downhill and I need to stop it. So I'm considering this to keep myself alive and healthy for my daughter and myself. Knowing that I might not be here for her when she's older is heartbreaking to say the least.

So here is my first step toward a very long and hard journey.

[FLUFFYMOM 19]

I think you will find that the first step is the hardest to make. Get a good surgeon and you will be surprised at how easy the qualification process is. Get excited about the change, stay positive and realistic. We'll be here to help and talk to when you need us. I think we have all had that horrible mirror moment, trust me, we understand. Good luck and let us know how you are doing as you get started.

[MB1 0]

Thank you so much. I was in tears as I read through the stories. The passion, fear, hope, success, discouragement, encouragement, pain, its all so real. I'm glad to have found myself here with others to learn with and connect to. Hopefully one day I will have a success story and I'll be able to encourage and provide comfort for others who are just starting out.

[HeroOfThisStory 24]

I feel the same way as you. I'm 23 and want to start a family soon with my fiancée but my unhealthy weight is preventing that. It took a lot for me to get the nerve and I had my surgeons number in my wallet for a month telling myself "Ill call tomorrow". I went shopping with my sister and mom right before Easter and was so depressed when my 28 year old sister was buying size medium tops and no stores had my size. I had a mental breakdown, told them my plans and they instantly became supportive. I called then and there but the office was closed. Vowed to call back but didn't. Finally about a week later I said "screw this", picked up the phone and made an appointment. I'm currently only in my first month of 6 month supervised diet but this forum has been nothing but support. I feel I have taken good steps to a NEW me! Welcome and I hope you decide what is right for you and if it is WLS, you've come to the right place! Best of luck!