Hi everyone, my name is Steve. I am 32 years old and live in Michigan. I am having VSG surgery on July 27th, 2009. I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the forums and thank everyone for posting here.

I have been overweight all of my adult life. Finally this year I had a talk with my primary doctor and told him I wanted WLS surgery. At that time I talked about the RNY with him because I had no idea about the sleeve surgery until my Education Day with the surgeon and his staff. Once I learned about the sleeve I knew it was the right surgery for me. At least I hope.

I am fortunate that I have no health problems with the exception of sleep apnea. But the apnea scares me because I have a hard time using the CPAP machine. My back and feet get sore from time to time but that is pretty common when you are overweight.

So my primary doctor approved my surgery after I educated myself on the procedure. In February I had my education day and I had my labs and psych test in May.

I started the process weighing 430 pounds. I am 6-3 tall. I now weigh 407 pounds. I hope I can get below 400 pounds before surgery. I have BCBS of Michigan and they will cover my surgery if it is considered a 2 part surgery with a RNY or DS being the second stage. However the good news for me is that there is nothing stating I have to go through with the RNY so my plan is to stick with the sleeve and follow the plan as best I can.

Anyway that is my story so far. Just sitting at work writing this waiting for my shift to end. I am a 911 dispatcher so I am writing this between calls so I hope it all makes sense lol.

Good luck to all of you and I will keep everyone posted with my WLS journey.

Steve

Steve---WELCOME!! I also have been overweight all my life and was raised in KALAMAZOO so we have a few things in common. I was sleeved on the 11th. SO far so good, I have the added benifit of having a loving caring fiance that had the surgery on the 11th of last month. This is a great place to 'talk' out any fears or concerns....AGAIN Welcome

Welcome Steve! I'm new on this journey, just sleeved 1 week ago. Good news is you've found a great site with people willing to answer all ur questions and offer lots of support. We are behind you and congratulations on taking control of future.

kauser

Glad you found this site, Steve. I know you will find lots of infomation and support here. Keep us posted on your journey. Congrats on getting your date. Keep us posted on your journey. carol

Hi Steve, we are so glad you found us and joined. The sleeve is a wonderful tool for weight loss. You will find tons of great support and advice here.

Like Bearded, I am familiar with Michigan as well. I was born in Grand Rapids and lived in Sparta until I was 14, then we moved to Florida. Most of my relatives are still in Michigan though.

Steve,

Welcome! I have been overweight since age 5-about 45 years now. I have decided on the sleeve but my insurance won't pay for any WLS so I will be self-pay and am going to Mexicali Mexico when I have the money together-hopefully before the end of the year. I have found this site to be full of supportive people who all seem to understand the trials and tribulations of being fat, obese, "vertically challenged", etc. Please to meet you!

Welcome Steve,

We are glad you found this sight. Keep on posting. We will be here for you. Judy

Welcome Steve - you will find all sort of information, suggestions and support on this site.

I am Bearded's fiance and had my surgery on 6/12 with Dr. Aceves in Mexicali, MX. I have lost about 28 lbs. since the surgery and although I have had a few issues, nothing major, I believe the sleeve is the tool I need to get thin and stay there.

I've had a weight problem my entire life and have probably lost a 1000 lbs. during my adult life - I'm tired of that.

Good luck to you with your surgery and don't hesitate to ask anything. We're all here for you.

Hi Steve. I'm in Michigan, too. Who's your surgeon? I'm having my sleeve on August 11 with Dr. Wood. I just found this site today, after skulking around the lapband sister site for a couple months. Looking forward to getting to know more people here.

I live in Marquette, in the Upper Peninsula. My Doctor is Wayne English.

Oh. A yooper, eh? I'm down here in the Detroit area. How's the weather up there? Reports have been showing some pretty cool temps.

The weather has really sucked this summer! It was nice the past few days but back in the 60's this weekend.

It may stink now, but man I remember how beautiful the Upper Peninsula always got in the fall. I loved it.

The weather has really sucked this summer! It was nice the past few days but back in the 60's this weekend.

I'd take some cooler temps right now - 110 today - 111 tomorrow -- ugh!

I'd take some cooler temps right now - 110 today - 111 tomorrow -- ugh!

Welcome Steve!

I am with Vegas on this one. We have had about 7 days straight of triple digit heat here in Dallas. What I wouldn't give for an afternoon high in the 60's.

I'd trade for a few warm days. It's always in the 60's here on the Oregon coast.

Welcome Steve! You have come to the right place!