I've decided to get Sleeved because at 33 years of age, my BMI is 60 and I have degenerative osteoarthritis in both knees as well as high blood pressure. My family has a long history of heart disease, strokes, heart attacks, diabetes and arthritis. My grandmother passed at age 62 in 2001 (a week before Christmas) due to obesity-related complications. I used to be a track and field athlete and a weightlifter (when I was in high school). I've looked into the gastric sleeve surgery and I know this is what I need in order to regain my health so I can live a healthier, longer life.

I live in NY and have Straight Medicaid, which requires 3 months of NUT visits and from what the surgeon told me that I may get sleeved in either September or October of this year. I wasn't told how much I needed to lose, but I heard it was minimum 10% of your body weight. I've tried everything from Slim Fast to Kashi GoLean and taking diet supplements. I'm more than ready for a change in my life. I know what lies ahead for me, and I know my path to wellness won't be easy.

I have a few questions:

*How much weight will I realistically lose in the first 90 days after surgery? I'm 5'4" and 344 lbs now.

*Will coconut Water be good to drink instead of regular tap water?

*Will I still be able to dine out despite being sleeved?

@@Kimba Marie Angelina Wiggins

*How much weight will I realistically lose in the first 90 days after surgery? I'm 5'4" and 344 lbs now. - It depends. This is not a magic wand, it is a tool and it depends on how well you stick to the program and utilize the tool. Almost all of my weight loss was in the first few months. And it was a very fun ride. Going from 46" pants to 36" is really damn cool.

*Will coconut Water be good to drink instead of regular tap water? - Probably not. Rather empty calories, but not the worst choice if that is what you really like.

*Will I still be able to dine out despite being sleeved? - Yep. Pick the right companion and you will save a fortune on date night too. My significant other and I share an entree so I only have to pay for one meal.

If a person doesn't change their mindset about food, then a person will have issues after their surgery. I used to be a food addict and now my body is paying for it. I know it'll be a huge change for me, and my health is top priority in my life.