My name is Melissa and I am currently seeing a doctor in Dallas about the gastric sleeve. I have gone through several test and my insurance will pay for it, but I need 6 months of diet classes. I may be looking towards the end of September before I can have the surgery.

I am 36 years old and can barely remember what it is like to be a normal weight. The last 5 years, I have been above 300lbs. I grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana, the fried food capital of the world. I remember any food we ate, was always fried, with rice or Pasta. My father was overweight and a Diabetic by the time I was 5 years old, but we still did not learn to eat right.

I am hoping to be able to gain some information and friendships.

Melissa

Hi Melissa!

My surgery is weds! I'll be glad to help in anyway I can...this forum has been so helpful to me!!!

I'm scared and excited...but most of all hopeful! Good luck with your journey...=)

Good luck on your endeavours & journey. I know what you mean about your Dad being overweight. Being heavy runs in my family too, subsequently leading to all kinds of health problems (diabetes,high blood pressure, sleep apnea, hypertension, etc.).

I didn't want to follow in those footsteps so I too started my journey towards weight loss surgery. So far everything's progressing well. This Thursday I see my doctor for an endoscopy & a few more blood tests (ABG's ?). Providing all goes well the, the next step is awaiting Medicare approval, which the doctor said he doesn't for see any problems at all.

Keep posting your progress.

Hey Melissa! I'm in the Dallas area.... and from Alexandria, LA originally. My dad was diabetic and I look just like him (an egg with legs - that's the body type and unfortunately I inherited it and his eating habits). You CAN do this! Do some research on who's got the best classes. I was a self pay, so not sure that I'm the best resource to you..... but if you ever need a friend who's had sleeve, as well as we have a few other things in common it sounds - you are welcome anytime to hit me up.

Good luck to you and let us know how you are progressing pls!

Good luck Melissa! Wednesday will be the start of your new life.