After a lifetime of losing and gaining weight, I think I've made the decision go have the surgery.

I'm 50 and was thin until the age of seven. I've yo-yo'd back and forth but have never been under 185 my entire adult life. At my biggest, I was around 305. I'm currently sitting at 283 and feeling more uncomfortable than ever.

I finally got insurance at the beginning of the year, primarily because I needed to have my gallbladder removed. It turns out that the costs associated with the surgery will meet my maximum out of pocket expenses for the year. So...that means that I could have the VGS done for free! I started the supervised diet in February, as my insurance requires a six month program. I actually like that there is a delay because it gives me plenty of time to really think about if I want to do this.

I'm really leaning toward doing it. I've read many posts here and seen the good and the bad. I truly think this is my best chance to increase my life span. I've been fortunate that the only real health issues I've encountered is sleep apnea. But I don't know how many years I can dodge the bullet before it catches up with me.

Anyway, that's my story in a nutshell! I appreciate everyone show shares their experiences on this board. I can tell this will be a great source of support going forward.

I had tried so many diets in the past and just plan gave up! I was diagnosed with diabetes and had very high cholesterol that I became really afraid of the side effects of diabetes. I had been contemplating getting the surgery for quite a few years now. My doc kept telling me that my BMI was too low. So I was going to go out and pay out of pocket. Told my PCP and he then said that I was diabetic and he would refer me to barbaric department. I am 5 months post op and with low blood sugar and my A1C is at 6. Goal target is 5.9 and under. I have lost 68 lbs and loving it. My daughter tells me I'm looking anorexic. I'm not, but she's so use to seeing me bigger, that the skinner me looks so tiny. I love this.

I would do it over again in a heartbeat. However, it is not a cake walk. It can be like a roller coaster.

congrats on the big decesion! It was the best thing I ever did for myself!!!

Welcome! Hope all goes well for you. I am starting my journey as well.