SarSmyle

[b][i][u]The short story:[/u][/i][/b]

I would like to try to document what I hope to be my journey back to good health. I am a 43-year-old female with 5-6 years of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, a 1-year history of obstructive sleep apnea, and a 25-year battle with obesity. My cardiovascular risk was very high, particularly once we take into account my horrendous family history of premature severe CAD.

I took a long, hard look at my true "lifetime risk" and decided that I wanted to live life as long as possible, but in a meaningful and useful way. I did not want to be around, on dialysis, with a failing heart, unable to walk on my own, bed-ridden, with PAD and ulcers, or possibly after a stroke... I wanted to be around like my mom is today - active, energetic, independent, and helpful to society and to my family. I want to live life on my terms and achieve my goals.

After a ton of research, discussions and deliberation I decided to "choose life" and go forward with the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy procedure on July 30th 2012.

- Sarah
LIG
:)