Hi, My name is Deb I am 54 yrs old , divorced, have 4 grown children, 5 grandchildren. I have battled my weight all my life( my grandfather and father decided I should be 25 lbs by the time I was 6 months) my highest weight was 302 lbs., I now weigh 279 lbs. I have fought diabetes, kidney disease, anemia, fibromyalgia and the list goes on . I take 20 different meds daily. I no longer work, ( I was a nurse for 36 yrs) . It hurts to walk, I try to exercise and end up hurting something else. I have looked into the weight loss surgery several times but was always told it " would kill me" because of issues I already have with my esophagus. I decided to check into surgery again since I obviously can't get rid of the weight by myself. This time they told me about the vertical sleeve and feel i can have this procedure safely. I have 2 more nutrition classes, then I will see the Dr and hopefully be scheduled. My insurance doesn't cover the procedure but the Dr is sure he can prove medical necessity and get it approved. I am hoping after surgery when the weight starts coming off, I will have less pain, and my kidney disease and diabetes will improve, and be able to get rid of that darn C-Pap. My 28 yr old daughter lives with me and is also planing to have the surgery sometime after I have mine. My brother and sister had the gastric by-pass several years ago and have done very well. I know I am still a high risk even with this procedure, but I am praying to God for him to guide and protect me as I start this new journey in my life.