Starting the journey... (and thank you Bariatric Pal community)

[no onions 258]

My Story – so far. This is a bit of a ramble.

Hi everyone! I want to take a moment to thank you all for making Bariatric Pal such a great resource for people who are considering WLS or have had WLS. I am in the “considering” category myself.

I am considering a program in the St. Louis area through BJC and Washington University Physicians. I attended my first seminar on Wednesday January 28 and have an appointment with the nurse practitioner and the patient coordinator next Thursday, February 5. The information provided on Bariatric Pal (the good, the bad and the ugly) prepared me for the seminar and has given me a level of comfort with the idea of WLS in general. I look forward to finding out more about my program and insurance requirements (no special insurance hoops, except BMI, but fully expect some administrative hiccups).

I am 41 years old and at my highest weight – 332 lbs. (a month ago – who knows it is possibly higher today) and at 5’9” I feel miserable, physically. I had the unwanted experience of not fitting in a restaurant booth last weekend. I knew that day could be coming, but was surprised when it happened. I can lose weight with no problem. I have not been able to maintain a normal weight despite extreme efforts – I know many of you can relate. Like many of you, I have a closet full of clothes from medium shirts to 4x, pants from 34” waist to 50” waist – the s t r e t c h y “comfort waist” kind of 50” waist pants.

I have not been fat my entire life, but it has been many years since I have been at a reasonable and healthy weight. My comorbidities include sleep apnea and (at the cusp of having a) fatty liver. For the moment, no diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, but I know that could be coming – our bodies are amazing, but can only compensate so long at this weight.

I am very likely to choose surgery. I need new tools and strategies in the weight-loss effort. I will definitely post some photos later. I resist being in photos now (many of you understand what I mean).

Best wish to everyone on this journey. Please keep posting the good, the bad and even the ugly – it helps!

-no onions

(I hate them severely – I hope my “tastes” do not change after surgery).

[Pepper123 320]

Good luck and positive thoughts....

[Newlife@55 31]

Hi @@no onions! I must agree that this app is very helpful whether you are deciding what to do or looking for support as you go through the process! I just found the site a couple weeks ago myself and everyone is very helpful and kind.

Your post caught my attention as I was born and raised in St. Louis and worked the first 15 years of my nursing career at BJC hospital! We moved west about 6 years ago and I can honestly say, even though I like the hospital I work for......nothing compares to BJC/Wash U!

I am 54 years old and a few inches shorter but weigh about the same as you. Everyone has their "ah ha" moment .... Mine was on a flight when they told me unwound have to take two seats and gave me a reserved seat voucher! I was mortified and cried all the way home!

I am having the sleeve on feb 25 and am very excited. Chose the sleeve because I feel it is safer even though they are still collecting data! I am very excited, however very nervous, as I have been blessed to have never needed surgery before! My husband is actually having the sleeve done on the 11th so we are on this journey together!

Wish you the best as you make your decision! Please let me know if I can help in any way????!

[no onions 258]

Hi @@Newlife@55 & @@Pepper123

Thank you both!