I've been lurking here for a bit and thought I should introduce myself! I decided to have weight loss surgery a few years ago but have had some issues with insurance, and then real life got in the way. Finally, I'm back on track and I'm scheduled for my first consultation on 10/29. I've been reading here as well as another board. I have decided on the sleeve for several reasons (no foreign device, no rerouting of intestines, no malabsorption.) My family is nervous but supportive. My husband has kept pretty quiet about it, but will ask a question here or there. I have three young children at home, a five year old girl and six year old twin boys. I'm going to school and working on my social work degree. I had been doing a lot of charity work, but cut back on it this year when my husband had a very serious accident in January. I'd like to say that since he's starting working again last week that things are getting back to normal, but they are actually getting more hectic because he's decided to go back to school, too. He's a roofer, fell off a roof, and obviously he doesn't want to do that again! So we're juggling a lot right now.

I need to lose weight and keep it off. In the past, I've had a 72lb loss on my own after being on a low carb diet, but as soon as I went off of it, I gained back 100lbs and am now at my highest weight ever. I feel like there's no point in trying to lose weight by dieting because it always comes back and brings extra weight with it. I'm ready to use the sleeve as a tool to permanently keep off the weight.

Your story is similar to mine, except that I am much older than you. Good for you for reaching the wise choice at a young age. The quality of your life as you age will be superb! And you will be teaching your kids a healthier way to eat and to view food in general. Welcome, and I wish you much success in your journey.

GG