Beginning the Gastric Sleeve Journey

[JF1015]

Hello All,
My name is Jerry M. and doing all that I can to have a gastric sleeve. Luckily, I have great insurance and hope to have it sooner than later. In 2004, I fell down 14 stairs and broke T12 and had a fusion. I was about 30 pounds overweight then and losing. I am a typical yo-yo dieter most of my life. My weight continued to go up more and more and less going down. Recently I weighed in at 325 making me around 130 pounds overweight. This was devastating news for me. As an RN, I knew that this was terribly unhealthy! On the other hand I have had limited exercise due to severe back pain. One way I know to improve it is losing weight.

I have been addicted to "My 600-lb Life" on TLC. I have been very encouraged by their stories and know I am nowhere near their weight and have no desire to be. Since i have a BMI of 43 and 3 other co-morbities (illnesses), qualifying for a gastric sleeve will be no problem. Plus having great insurance, I only have a minimum co-pay will make it financially doable. My spouse and I have come to an agreement on the surgery. I know that gastric bypass has some side effects that I don't want. At 51 years old, I need to lose this weight now. I am trying to prevent diabetes but have excessive pain, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure controlled with medications.

Overall, when I heard of the gastric sleeve from a former physician of mine, I was interested at the time but didn't quality. Sorry to say I gaineed 50 pounds over 5 years and do qualify now. It's time for me to stop this and find a way to get my eating under control and have a way to exercise to lose weight. I know that it will not be easy, but it will be doable. I understand that the sleeve is just a tool, not a cure all quick fix. We all want the quick fix, but life isn't that way. Do to a chronic mental illness that is being treated very well, both my psychologist and my psychiatrist have agreed to write recommendations for me to have the surgery done.

I have been a nurse for almost 20 years now, and want to take care of the most important patient in my life, ME! That's the basics on me that you can glean from this post. I hope to get the most that I can find on this forum. Give and get is the best way to help each other.

[KariVSG]

Welcome Congrats on the beginning of your journey

[Donna Rudewick]

Welcome and congratulations on choosing the sleeve. I can honestly tell you this has been the best thing I've ever done for myself.

[dfindley]

Congrats, on beginning your journey.

[Blove2012]

Welcome. Enjoy the ride!

[JF1015]

Thanks everyone for saying hellos and thanks. I forgot some basic information. I am a man, 6'0, 325 pounds which puts my BMI at 43. I was 6'2' before I shattered my vertebrae. It's funny how one can shrink. Trying to find out if that affects anything. Haven't found out yet. Doesn't matter in the long run. Trying to read posts from others to hear of their experiences.

[Kevin_Sly]

What a road you've had leading up! Hope your back shows improvement with less weight!

[WANAGL]

Welcome!

You've come to by far the best site for support, no-nonsense suggestions, knowledge, wisdom and experience.

This is hands down the best decision I ever made for me and my health. My ONLY regret is that I didn't do it sooner.

Best of luck as you embark on your journey!

[dfindley]

Good luck on your journey, I have found this site to be very useful.

[JF1015]

Thanks Kevin, though we have many lovely ladies here in the forum, it's great to see another guy here.You seem to have done quite well according to your weight meter. Keep up the good work.

[JF1015]

Thank you so much! Are you feeling positive about surgery or anything else. I go for the educational part a week from Monday. I can hardly wait, but know it will happen when it happens. Are you having to stick to a diet pre-operatively?

[americangrrl]

best of luck to u...!!!!