Hi I thought I would introduce myself. Im Melinda 41 and live in London uk. I had my Sleeve done on the 8th February 2011 at the Hommerton Hospital In Hackney. I was first referred there by my diabetic doctor 14 momths previous to surgery. Having diabetes that was steadily getting worse, high blood pressure, high cholestrol wls was considered the best option for me. I went to my first appointment thinking of having a gastric band, they soon said no to that, and suggested I have the Gastric Bypass. So my starting weight was 17and a half stone. and at 4ft 11inches my bmi was 44, if i remember rightly. Before surgery I got down to 16 stones. I had complications during my surgery hence why I ended up having a Gastric Sleeve instead of a Bypass, they had a struggle to keep me alive, due to me having pnemonia. My post op period was herrendous, i had to have further surgery, and am still currently having breathing problems. I see the hospital every two weeks, and my doctors once a week. But I am now 6 weeks down the line and am feeling so much better than i did I am nearly me again, minus 33lbs lol... I no longer take blood pressure tablets, its normal for the first time in 16 yrs lol. But I am still due to my surgeons advice only on stage 2 of eating, ie mushy food, and I am still struggling with pain, am off to see my surgeon later today so hoping he can give me some advice. Anyway think ive kinda waffled abit now so will sign off for now.

Welcome Melinda, WOW so sorry to hear you had complications, but happy you are feeling better. {{HUGS}}.

This is the place to be for all kinds of advice, rants, raves and fellowship.

Good luck on your journey to a better you.

Deb

Awesome! BTW it's nice to welcome another fellow Brit.

Welcome to the site Melinda. Hope your breathing problems are much better soon. I know that pneumonia can take quite awhile to recover from. I think you'll be very happy with the sleeve and will reach your goal weight before you know it. I am also off meds for high triglycerides and cholesterol, depression, and no longer have sleep apnea. The sleeve has been a lifesaver for me!

Best wishes!!

Welcome to the group. I hope your pneumonia and pain clear up soon. Congratulations on losing 33lbs so far! You are on your way to a healthier new you.