26 days Until the Sleeve!

[Sparkybill]

Hello Everyone,
Long time lurker, first time poster (ha, ha). Here's my intro:
Received approval from insurance on December 21st, and immediately scheduled first available date with my surgeon. Going to get sleeved on January 23rd. Very excited!

Stats: highest weight Jan 2017= 378lbs, current weight Dec 2017= 353lbs, height= 5'-9", BMI = off the chart, health issues = cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, and recently arthritis in my hip. I am married with two teenage daughters, they are my biggest motivation to get healthy.

It's been years getting to this point. I wanted to do this and would've done this quite a while ago but cost was a big issue. Luckily about a year ago changed jobs to a company where weight loss surgery wasn't specifically excluded on their health insurance, and I finally got serious. The other big factor pushing my need for serious weight loss is I probably need a hip replacement (but the ortho won't touch me till I lose a lot of weight).

So I found this forum and have been reading through your questions and responses for the last year. There are so many nice and motivational people on here I have been very impressed. What a great group you all are!

I think I have a wonderful surgeon and group of professionals to help me, right in my hometown of Kalamazoo Michigan. But there are a lot of questions and unknowns that keep me awake at night(as well as my wife), I think that's probably normal for everyone.

Thank you for allowing me to join, and I look forward to sharing my journey with you. Hopefully I can help someone else along the way too.

Here's to a Happy (and much Healthier) New Year!

[simplyseahorse]

So happy that you are here and feel like you have a good surgeon with support! I am working on getting things set up with my new insurance - got approval with insurance this year but my surgeon did not have openings by the time all went through, so I am hoping that I can get this done in the next month or so - right along with you! There are some amazing people here for sure!

[hookydad]

Welcome to the journey and soon, welcome to your hew life. I am only 6+ weeks into this and I already feel like a new person and I am only half way to my goal. Sounds like you are focused and motivated so you should be fine. Yes, Second guessing and doubts will creep in, but stay the course, believe in the path and you will come out the other side a whole new person. Always keep the vision in your mind of what your life will be like in 1 little ole year from this day, not so much, what you'll look like (which will be awesome I'm sure) but rather what LIFE will be like. That is all I can think about whenever a temptation or doubt comes to mind. One simple year and the rest of my life is in front of me!!

Best of luck to you as you have already begun the path!!

[Luv49ers19]

Welcome Bill! Super excited for you. I'm 7 months out and only 6 pounds away from my goal. It is so worth it. Gave me back my life. Good luck my friend!

[Stacey03]

Congratulations on your decision Bill. Your life will change immeasurably I'm sure. the great thing about this group is all the support and help you get through the ups and downs of your weightloss journey. Remember the first week is the hardest but not awful and then you will have some adjustments to make and they are the things that take the time. But you will get there yup! I learn something every week on here :-)

[Christie13]

Welcome Bill! Glad you finally posted. We are all here to help you and support you on your journey to a healthier you!! Congrats on getting approved and having a surgery date. Reach out with any questions, whenever you need support, or to just chat!