Hello! I'm about to have my first class on March 22nd to get bariatric surgery soon. I'm very hopeful and looking to find some friends.

I'll introduce myself: My names Marissa Nicole. I'm 21 years old & from California! I gained a lot of my weight between 12 and 18 years old due to 6 foot surgeries to correct my severe flat feet but it kept creating issues with my right foot. I now have a rare chronic illness called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Basically my nervous system is malfunctioning and every type of sensation (breezes, touch such as clothing, blankets, sounds even) hurts my leg severely. My nerves think everything is "attacking" and sends pain signals 24/7. What started out in just my foot had spread to my whole leg. It's also caused my skin to change color on the affected limb as well as having a different temp compared to the rest of my body. CRPS is characterized by its "burning" sensation. Imagine holding your hand over a flame or on a hot stove and never being able to pull it away! That's CRPS. There's no cure or specified treatments. So as you can imagine, I can only do low impact exercises. Meds were a nightmare! I was on one that made me gain weight no matter what I did. Now that I'm on a decent medication with no side effects like that, I'm looking forward to losing weight to hopefully help my pain! I also have a fatty liver and high blood pressure. I've lost 30 so far but I'm far from my goal, which hopefully VSG can help me achieve. Due to my illness, I cannot work. I'm in school though but it's not very "social" since it's all online. New friends who are understanding and not judgmental would be amazing. I'd love to hear some feedback on your weight loss journeys and about recovery expectations!