Here is to new beginnings

[02CDMB 37]

My name is Shelley and I am new to my weight loss journey. I am 48 days into my 180 day or 6 month, diet and exercise insurance required program. I am coming up on my 3rd weigh in for this as well. I have had my Cardiologist evaluation and passed with flying colors. Feb. is a big month for me as I have Pulmonary evaluation, Nutritionist, Endoscopy, Bariatric testing & Psych evaluation. I have attended two support group meetings. The first of which I was the center of attention, which I did not like at all. The second was better as there were more people and the focus was not all on me. I currently weigh 280 lbs. BMI is 46.6. My highest weight was when I started this process at 290 lbs.

My choice of surgery at this point is Gastric Bypass since I have a terrible sweet tooth and love all things fried. My husband is being incredibly supportive and I believe he wants to get healthier as well. He doesn't have near as much to lose but the scales have been moving up on him the last few months. He wants to start working out at a gym, which I have told him is great, but I am not ready for that yet. I want to lose enough so that it doesn't hurt my back to stand or walk further than to the mailbox and back. I have done an incredible amount of research and I am presently reading the Big Book on Gastric Bypass. Learning a lot from that. I also watched All Of Me, which I was not very impressed with at all. I like to look at peoples stories on You tube as well. I am open to discussing anything at this point since I have not officially chosen a surgeon or surgery type yet. Where I am at at this point is choosing between two surgeons where I have been attending meetings as well as evaluations. I believe I will be choosing the surgeon that presented information at the weight loss surgery seminar. I look forward to having conversations with you all soon.

[mngreeneyes 674]

You are starting out very near to where I started my journey last July. I am 5'5" and was 282 at my highest. I started out wanting the lap band, but my surgeon did not recommend it and after hearing him talk about why, it made sense. Then I thought I wanted the sleeve, but when I learned about the sleeve and GERD, I had changed my mind again to RNY. My surgeon agreed and I now couldn't be happier. I also chose the surgeon who presented at the info session. He was a good choice for me.

Its been 2 1/2 months and I am at nearly 50 pounds. I go in for my three month checkup in 2 weeks and can't wait to see what they say.

I wish you the best. Enjoy the journey and all the things you need to learn and habits to develop. They are so important.

pam

[02CDMB 37]

Thank you for sharing with me. I have also struggled with the sleeve vs RNY. I will probably go with RNY. I am just so very excited about the whole thing. I have never been a very patient person but I think that the 6 month diet exercise was a good thing for me. So that I could really take a look at and think about what I am doing. I can also be over-analytical, which doesn't help.

[James Marusek 5,244]

Welcome and let us know if we can be of any help.

[Cervidae 2,389]

Hello. Seems like you are doing well and learning as much as you can, which is often what helps a person not only have success but keep it long term. I have a feeling you're going to do really well! Also, you and I are the same height and weight right now (well, technically I'm 281 as of this morning, but close enough), though I'm 5.5 months post op.