Hello everyone! I am new to posting to the site but been following it for a few weeks now. I'm just starting the process, went to my first information session last Thursday and going to another one Tuesday as I'm trying to decide between two different clinics. I've been overweight my whole life but have tried to stay active. Now that I'm 40 that has gotten alot more difficult with alot of joint pain and just being tired all the time. I (so far) have been fortunate enough to not have developed many health issues, just sleep apnea. I completed a half marathon last year and had plans to do many more races as it was so enjoyable. Unfortunately I have gained more weight since then and it has gotten too uncomfortable to exercise for long at a time. That was what made me finally decide to move forward. All of you sharing your stories gave me a more realistic view of the surgery and made me feel like I could make it through this. Luckily, my insurance covers the surgery but I have to jump though some hoops. I have to follow a 3 month diet plan and join a gym for 3 months but not too bad. I still have to get my doc refer me and I see him next Friday. Here's hoping all goes well and in 4 or 5 months I am able to say "I'm a sleever!"

Best of luck.