Hello

[LeonaR]

My name is Leona and I live in NE Oklahoma and I am in the process of starting my Nutritional goals and weight loss journey, to qualify for the Gastric Sleeve. I am using Indian Health Services in order to do this process. I weigh 273 lbs. the most I have ever weighed in my entire life. I am a mother of 3 kids, wife and I am 47 years of age. I am a type 2 diabetic, have high blood pressure, heart palpitations, and anemic on top of taking several medications to help with these unfortunate issues. But I am learning on this new journey and would like any information that you think could be valuable to me for my success. I am not doing this just for myself but I have just gotten my first grandbaby and wish to be able to go play with him and take him on long walks. I am at this point physically unable to walk more than 30 minutes at a time without being winded. If anyone would like to give me some ideas of what to expect or what I could do to help me through my process or journey it would be greatly appreciated. Thank You

[KiwiGal]

Welcome Leona. Congratulations on your decision.
I too have an active grandson and one of the (many) reasons that I chose this option was so that I would be able to play with him easily. It has been so worthwhile. The other day we were playing chasie after he had his bath and he turned to me and said "you can run quite fast for an old lady". After falling about laughing I realised that was one of the best things that he could have ever said to me :-)
There are lots of great post on this forum. Have a look and a read and please ask any questions that you may have. There are lots of wonderful people here who are more than happy to share their experiences.
Having wls is the single best decision that I have ever made for myself. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner.
I wish you well.

[Dutchie]

Same here.
I wish I'd done it years ago!
I have a totally new life now.

[Stacey03]

Hi Leona and welcome. I think it is a great idea to be here on this forum even before your surgery as you can learn so much. You can type in the search bar at the top to find things out and please join in the discussions and ask all your questions. Much success to you on your journey :-)

[LeonaR]

Thank you so much for your warm welcome it is very encouraging to see this.

[Christie13]

Welcome Leona! Hopefully your insurance process is not too long. I have seen it usually between 3 and 6 months. Mine was a 6 month requirement. I am the same...my one regret is waiting so long to take the plunge. I am so much happier and healthier now. Best decision ever. Read, read, and read some more. So much good info on here and everyone is so supportive. Glad to have you! Start taking progress pictures and measurements so you can chronicle your journey. I love looking at where I was and where I am. I didn't start until 3 days post op and really wish I had started before surgery. Good luck!