lmki85

I had knee surgery in April of 2015 for a torn Meniscus. I never really recovered from the surgery and my weight kept climbing because I was unable to be active. I had Type 2 diabetes and was on 2 separate medications, had High Blood pressure , High Cholesterol, GERD and  Osteoarthritis.  I was 5'3" and  in my 50's and the low point of my life was having to rent a scooter at Universal to get around the park.
 
I went to an education seminar at Banner Gateway in Gilbert, AZ and made my decision to have surgery. While my starting  BMI was only 36.6 I had enough co-morbidities to qualify for my insurance company.  I had surgery on 4/4/16 and was off of all of my diabetes medications and my BP meds were reduced by 2/3's.  I joined a gym after surgery and got a personal trainer and that was the best  investment that I made in my new lifestyle. I go to support groups at Banner Gateway 3 or 4 times a month and they help to keep me on Track, They are free and open to all Bariatric patients. I was at my doctors goal weight by my 6 month appointment..
 
I started my own Facebook support group for those in the Phoenix, AZ area called Phx Area Bariatric Support in August of 2016 after being bullied in another local group by the Admin.
 
I have been at goal for almost a year and my weight fluctuates up and down a few pounds. I am active and in better shape than I have been in over a decade. I still have osteoarthritis in my knees, but am training to go skiing this winter and that is my next fitness goal