Well, not really.

My name is Brandy and I'm 46 years old. I have been overweight my entire adult life and severely obese for the majority of it. I've been over 300 lbs. for at least 10 years now. This weight caused very little physiological issues - sleep apnea being the only major one - but I have pain in my joints and back every day and difficulty walking long distances. I can't be as active as I want to be. I can't go into any store I want and buy clothing off the racks. I have to buy the same clothing as every other fat person out there because I'm so large. I can't buy bottoms in the store because I don't fit any of the sizes.

Two years ago my 41 year old husband had a massive heart attack. He died 6 times before they were able to stent his heart in 3 places and bring him back. That was my first wake up call. I never consider weight loss surgery because I never wanted my intestines messed with. You see, my mother had a ruptured appendicitis when I was a baby and the ensuing year long infection and various surgeries to remove sections of her intestines and reroute them has caused her life long debilitating diarrhea. I didn't want to even risk that. Then my friend told me about the sleeve. Finally I was able to see a chance for me to get control of my eating. Here was a tool to help me finally lose the weight I need to to gain back my mobility and my figure.

I researched my insurance for months to see if I qualified. A discussion with my doctor proved that I indeed qualified 100% for the surgery. Of course there were hoops - I had to attended about a bazillion classes and I had to lose 10% of my body weight. The classes were easy. The weight loss was not. It took me almost a year (6 months of serious work) to lose that 10%. Along the way I began building the habits I would need to be successful at this surgery. I sought out a therapist outside of my insurance plan because those that were covered were only for group therapy (which doesn't work for me) and I began to go to her every 2 weeks. For the first time in my life I began to see real progress with my issues around food and my family. I'm so grateful for her and all she has done and continues to do for me!

I am now at the end of the beginning journey and the beginning of my new journey. My pre-op is scheduled for August 1st and surgery is scheduled for August 13th. I am not scared at all. I'm sure that will change once I get closer to the date but right now I am happy, optimistic and excited to start this new chapter off my journey. I'm looking forward to discovering who I am without all off this fat to hide behind. I'm already awesome, I can't imagine how much more awesome I'm going to be!!

Congratulations on your journey, I have my first visit with the surgeon on August 5th, I can't wait, my husband is behind me 100% and if insurance doesn't pay, i will do it out of pocket, even though it is very expensive,

Thanks for sharing I'm not scared either - just looking forward to FINALLY getting this done! My surgery is the same week as yours.