My name is Cindy. I am going to be 55 in August. I have battled weight all of my life. I have to do something as I can't live the rest of my life gaining weight. I've done all the fad diets, weight watchers and have lost weight but can't keep it off. I have probably lost and gained over 1000 pounds in my life time. My insurance won't cover the surgery. Self pay around here is about $22,000. My daughter had the bypass a few years ago. I went to meetings and have watched her so i know what I am up against. I have told my 2 kids and they were skeptical at first, but my one daughter is getting married the end of August and wants to help me pick out a dress

I have been researching, reading, looking at youtube videos for a few months now. I chose Dr Kelly at the Florence Hospital. I liked his credentials and the hospital, the number of surgeries performed and success rate. .

This morning I took copies of all the paper work and credentials etc to my pcp. He is a big health nut. He organized a program for our town to lose weight and a walking program too. He looked over all of my paperwork and had a few questions. I told him my husband is on board and when I quit smoking he smoked elsewhere till he quit himself. This will be good for him also. He is very supportive.

The doc said to go for it. That the benefits outway the risks and wants to see me 1 month post op. I'm so happy for this. He wasn't skeptical at all.

I sent in my paperwork this morning. I really don't see any problems and hope to schedule real soon. I was nervous at first, but am so excited...especially since I have all those blessings.

Good luck! I will say it was the best decision for me ever! I have lost 55 lbs and I have 25 lbs to go. I am like a new person. All the medical issues I had before (such as sleep apnea, incontinence, knee and ankle issues, migraines) are gone! I still get a migraine once in awhile but not multiple times a week!

Let us know how you do!

Thanks. I have slightly elevated cholestrol and sugar and yes I have knee and joint pain also. I'm looking forward to walking the dog more than 15 minutes at a time