fairyluver
I underwent my RNY 1/22/08 and I can honestly say it was the best decision I have ever made for myself. I have been heavy my entire life, literally. When I was 2 years old my weight doubled and just continued to climb from there. I started looking into the procedure, specifically the Phobi Pouch, when I was 13. 13 years old, can you imagine that? But at the time I was terrified of being cut open and possibly dying, so I stopped thinking about it for years. Once I got married I began thinking about it again off and on because I was sick and tired of being fat, but the time was just never right. Then I had my two children, who are now 3 and 2, and the thought of dying young from obesity or not being able to play with them like a mom should was what finally made the decision for me. I did it not only for myself but for the lives I created, so that together we can all lead a better, more fulfilling life.
I persued through Kaiser and am very thankful I had that opportunity. They require you to do 24 weeks of classes that prepare you for your life that is to come. I remember I would get so irriated about having to attend class week after week while people with other insurances had to just go to a few appointments and then their date was set. But now that I have had the surgery and have SO MANY gifts of knowledge under my new tool belt I realize just how much I learned through those classes and how much better prepared I am for this new life I am venturing into. So if anyone is working on being approved through Kaiser, don't give up hope, the process is totally worth it and at some point you'll actually feel lucky that you got so much preperatory classes. And remember to attend every single one, keep all of your notes and stay on the ball. You need to be an advocate for yourself. Persuing this surgery taught me that, and helped me become more independant and outspoken for my own sake, and I'm grateful for it.
I started classes in April of 07 and graduated from my final class on 10/31/07 (halloween!) and about 2 1/2 months after my graduation day I had my surgery and my new life began. I can't wait to see what is next for me.
