belle2015

I hesitate to share this information because I am a fairly private person and I realize now more than ever before that once to put information on the internet it is there forever! However, I have depended on the stories of others to get me to this point. I hope that my story will help someone else. 
This journey began nine years ago for me when my then new primary care doctor suggested that I consider gastric bypass. I began to research contact my insurance, went to a pre-op support group long story short nothing worked out and I continued on with my life as a Wife of then 36 years, mother of three young adult children, two grandsons, a Staff Pastor of Prayer in a 14,000 member church and a very very busy life. However, my weight issues and yo yo dieting issues continued to plague me. I kept losing the same 45-50 pounds and gaining them back. This year my blood pressure increased that now I had to take two blood medications and my weight was my highest ever 271 pounds!  I now have Fibromyalgia and the only med to take for it caused weight gain. My BMI was 53 and knee pain was almost constant, on and on. It was time to make a change now or never. I have two beautiful granddaughters 3, 1, and one on the way and I wanted to be able to live an active life with them.
So I began to pray and research which was a daunting task! I am now 65 years old (a young and relatively healthy  65 yr old) but not all doctors will perform the procedure on an over 50 year old. I decided that gastric sleeve was best for me  and I found a doctor, got the insurance go ahead for qualifying and then proceeding to meet the qualifications. I had to see a dietitian for three months, a psychiatrist, and a complete cardiac work-up. Well, I qualified July 22, 2015 and had the Gastric Sleeve surgery on August 5, 2015! My initial weigh in was 271, on surgery day I was 258, and one week post op I was 248. I guess that's good - the doctor said so. :( 
I am back to work now as an Administrative Assistant, feeling a wobbly and lethargic and not much energy. I think this is due to not being a "spring chicken" and not eating solid food yet, but my husband (who is an incredible support) and I are looking forward to the journey ahead and the new me!