Hello! My name is Debbie and im 51 years old. I have always had a weight problem. In December 2013, I had enough when I couldnt fit thru the gate at ball game. It was so embarrasing, I had to be escorted to another entrance. I cryed. I decide this was never going to happen again. I made an appt with the surgeon. January 2014 I saw Dr. Ali in Erie Pa . Hes absolutely wonderful, so compassionate. After 6 months of diet docs and many appts, with weight gains and losses and excitment and disappointment , I finally arrived at my surgery date. On September 17, 2014 I had sleeve surgery. This is by far the best thing I have ever done for me. Yes! I said for me. I have 4 grown children which I might add,,,only 2 really supported me. The other 2 where very skeptical. You see I also have 6 wonderful grandchildren whom I wanted to see grow up, have their own children and enjoy life. When I embarked on this journey I had diabetes, high blood pressure, depression and thyroid dosease and sleep apnea, high chlosterol and I have already at 51 had a heart stent. I was scared. When this journey to a new me I weighed 205 pounds , at surgery time I weighed 191, Today I weigh 156 and it just keeps comimg off. I went from a 3x size clothes to now a 16. I have never worn real jeans, the ones that zip. I now can. I feel strong and well. Since surgery the diabetes, is gone ,high blood pressure is gone,thyroid diesease (mimimal meds), the sleep apnea is much better, the chlosterol is normal and the cardiologist says he doesnt need to see me unless I have an issue. I can walk up stairs now. I have energy enough now to sometimes tire out my babies. I have had no issues. I think it is because I have been exacting about all the diet phases and really take my time and really heard what my body now says to me. I have only had pain, one time, when I ate way to fast and WOW! did that ever hurt. It felt like the worst huge bubble. Believe me lesson learned. I would reccommend this surgery, but I seriously feel that this choice has to purely be for the patient. Like dont do it for someone else. There are definetly, life changing, life style habits that must be followed thru. Thank You Jesus! for my success. God Bless to all, and good luck to anyone whos future is WLS.

Good for you! Very encouraging post. I am one-week post-op and about the same age. My family was supportive but very scared for me. My sister was actually afraid that my personality would change. That I wouldn't be the same person. But I am the same. Only with the brighter future. Thanks for sharing.

Wonderful story! CONGRATULATIONS to you!