Hi everyone,

I just wanted to share my gastric sleeve journey so far and I apologise for the long post I am making here. I'm 53 years old and have battled my weight all my life. In my early 40's I started taking Blood Pressure medication, I was also diagnosed with Graves Disease. My cholesterol and glucose have always been good. Well that was up until 4 months ago. I went to the doctors and for the first time ever my cholesterol shot up and my doctor informed me I was Insulin resistant.

I was now very scared that at 168.3 kgs, (371 pounds) I wasn't going to make it to 60.

So after years of badgering me, I finally asked my doctor to refer me to a Weight Loss Surgeon and from the very first visit the train ride has been fast and furious.

First off, he told me I should have seen him 10 years ago, (I had mentioned I had been thinking about it for 10 years). Then he asked if I was free for surgery in 2 weeks!!! OMG! I scheduled with him for surgery 4 weeks later because I needed to get my head around it all.

I then kicked off a major Food Funeral. I don't deny it, I ate all the things I loved and that were bad for me for 2 weeks. I then started my 2 weeks on Optifast. What joy that turned out to be

Surgery day arrived and all went well and to my horror I was presented with an A4 sized, colour picture of my stomach after removal and my stitched up insides. PUKE!

Since then I have been through all the phases, Liquid, Puree, Soft and at last normal food. I just had my 3 month checkup with the surgeon and here is where I stand:

• I am no longer Insulin resistant MAJOR YAAAAY
• My cholesterol is now normal ANOTHER MAJOR YAAAAY
• My Fatty Liver is resolved and now shows normal results - YAAAAY
• I can walk for 20 minutes without having to sit down - YIPPEEEEE
• My asthma is almost completely gone - WOOHOOOOOO
• I have lost nearly 30 kgs (63 pounds)
• I had my first proper period in over 8 months (ok not such a major yay but at least it is working properly again)

So I can honestly say that the major train ride I have been on in the last 4 months has been very worthwhile and I am feeling so much better, but please can someone help me with how to get rid of the damn pimples!!!!!

I guess the purpose in my writing this is for any people who may be considering surgery, I won't say it has been easy but it has definitely been worthwhile.

It's getting better and better

Wow, what a whirl-wind! Did insurance cover the procedure? How did you get it done so quickly?

Congrats on the good results so far!

My health insurance covered the procedure so there was no issues there. I think that is why I did not have to go through all the process a lot seem to have to go through.

Thank you

Wow what a wonderful story. You are doing so great!!