I have a date! I started on my surgery journey about 18 months ago. I was two months into managed weight loss, had all my testing done, psych assessment, everything going great. And then suddenly I developed numbness and muscle weakness with my left arm. Cancel bariatric surgery, schedule cervical spine surgery. Surgery went great, 6 weeks recovery with full return of function. But - had to delay the bariatric surgery for more than a year.

Started back on the managed weight loss in December. Had to repeat some of the testing because it had been so long. Finally met with my surgeon yesterday for final visit, and am scheduled for March 14th. Am so happy to FINALLY have a date.

I have been fat to obese for most of my life. Like most people who have the surgery, I have lost and gained more pounds than I can count. Diets don't work for me. I need the sleeve surgery as a tool - to jump start me into a new way of eating. Not a diet. A complete permanent change to my relationship with food.

I work in health care. I've had very mixed reactions from people at work who know about the surgery. Some are supportive, some feel duty bound to tell me all the horror stories about the surgery. I don't care. I am ready.

I look forward to sharing with this community. I have derived inspiration and from you posts. I'm excited to be part of the community, and can't wait to share my journey.

Great news! --starting to warm up the bum warmers here on the "Losers' Bench".

I, too had to have spinal surgery, but mine was after my sleeve. It sure did put a halt to exercising, but 5 more Aqua P.T. sessions and I'll be released to full workouts in the pool.

All will work out for the best.

Keep posting and letting us know how your doing. Don't forget to ask any questions that you might have. We may not always know the right answer, but we are always entertaining!!!