Hi everyone, I had to create a new account because I had phone troubles and forgot all my info.

I am a 54-year-old woman, with 4 grown children, 11grandchildren, 1 living two-hour, 4 step-grandchildren, and, though my husband passed away before he even knew it was in the making, 1 beautiful step-great-grandchild. These are the reason that I, along with my youngest daughter, made the decision for WLS. My husband passed away in 2013, at the age of 61, due to COPD, caused by smoking. Life style changes made earlier in his life may have given us more time together, but he couldn't make them. He left behind some devastated children and grandchildren, and never knew he was to be a great-grandfather.

I am 5'5" tall an weigh 342. When I began this journey, about 5 months ago. I weighed 368. I want to see my grandchildren grow up, and play with my great-grandchildren. I will probably not be able to do that if I don't choose to do something about my weight.

I was recently diagnosed with diabetes, have high blood pressure, and severe back problems, just to name a few of the health issues that are due to my weight.

That being said, I like myself. I'm not looking to lose weight because I think people will like me better, or because I think that everyone should be a size 2. (God forbid that should happen, He made women curvy for a reason)

I have completed my 3 month required doctor supervised weight management and am thrilled that I have lost quite a bit. I'm continuing this as, while I know I can't reach my goal without surgery, I like what I have accomplished.

I had my initial visit with my nurse practitioner back in June, but she left the practise and I'll not see the new one till next month. My doctor requires a colonoscopy at my age, along with a mammogram, and PAP smear. My primary physician says he'll not do the PAP smear due to the fact that I had a hysterectomy better than 10 years ago. We'll see where that goes.

Well, that's actually the short version of where I'm at now, so I will hope to make some new friends, offer support, and reach out for help.

Good luck on your upcoming weight loss surgery. I had diabetes and high blood pressure before my gastric bypass operation. They went into remission almost immediately after surgery and have remains so to date (26 months post-op).