I braved the arctic weather and finished up my last few pre-op appointments today and I am ready for the next step, submitting to insurance for approval. I'm kinda getting excited...a little...lol

Funny thing is, I have bad back problems (nerve damage) and coupled with respiratory issues (asthma) I haven't felt this bad in a long time. In pain, hard to walk, sucking in cold air (can't breathe). I realized that I'm literally fighting for a healthier life and I'm telling you victory is mine!

• alright Sandee be encourage you can do it!!!!

SandeeD, we have similar stats - I am 5'2" and started at 223 pre-op, 207 on day of surgery (26 April) and hit 140 between Christmas and New Year. However, I am a couple of years older than you

As a result of my sleeve, I have lost one of my comorbidities (diabetes) and I have stopped taking a chemo drug for my arthritis (just have one injection a week and we are even discussing that later this month!) and no longer have swelling or pain, my BP is normal, cholesterol good - and a couple of weeks ago, my doc said well done to me for saving my own life... All my risks are now the same as every other non-obese person.

So congratulations for taking the big step to head off on this road. I wish you all the best, you should be excited... And I hope it all works out well for you!

Thanks so much Indigo, I really do appreciate your kind words! I'm so looking forward to waking up one fine morning and saying, I FEEL GOOD! I'm in pain at every moment, it just depends on what level of pain and that's not a way to live so I'm really looking forward to getting sleeved, but I'm just afraid to get too excited until I actually receive my surgery date. Yes, we do have the same stats and you are not THAT much older than me lady! lol

It is very hard to explain to people what it's like to wake up in pain every day - and then, post surgery, to find it's gone. Pain in itself is debilitating mentally as well as physically so it is almost miraculous to live a life where it's no longer the first thing you think of on waking.

Keep breathing and we will keep everything crossed for you :-))))

So you do understand! Yes, it is VERY difficult and frustrating to explain to people who are not going through what we deal with. I always get, "You don't look like you weight that much." or "You only need to lose a few pounds." They don't SEE or FEEL my pain (i.e. permanent spinal nerve damage, hyperlordosis, arthritis, joint inflammation, hypertension, asthma, high cholesterol, etc.). In an effort to make you feel better, they seem to minimalize your issues. My sister, who only weighs a little less than I do, she gets it that my physical issues and chronic pain are exacerbated by the excess weight and she totally supports my decision. She'll be right there with me when I go for surgery. Again, I get very frustrated and angry because my body won't do what my brain tells it, but I know that I'm in for big changes soon!

Congrats on finishing your pre-op requirements! That is definitely a big hurdle. Fingers crossed for a quick approval!