I started on my journey to get a gastric sleeve over a year ago. My insurance required 6 months of dietary counseling and proof of going to the gym at least 8 times a month. Through the diet and exercise I lost almost 25 pounds. Then in June I was diagnosed with breast cancer....all my prep came to a halt. I had a lumpectomy in July, and in September began 7 weeks of radiation. One week after completion of my radiation I was back in the hospital within abscess in the lumpectomy cavity requiring surgical drainage. This was followed by 3 months of tortuous wound care. Was finally discharged from wound care in January. Unfortunately I regained some of my weight and did virtually no exercise but some walking due the fatigue. I was able to pick up where I left off and have my surgery scheduled for 2/25. My upper GI showed a large hiatal hernia and they tell me if it is too large they will only be able to fix it and my sleeve will be postponed again. If not too large they will be able to do both - praying that's the case. I am 57 years old and lost both parents to Cancer and originally started this journey to improve my overall health and decrease my risk factors for cancer... I waited too long. However my successful Cancer treatment and several months of laying around has me more determined than ever to lose the weight and get fit. I'm having a good bit of joint pain as a side effect from the Arimidex (estrogen blocker) that I will be on for 5 years. Additionally it can cause bone thinning so I will be doing lots of resistance training to keep my bones strong. My highest weight was 303 (I'm 5'6") and I am currently at 288. My weight gain started post babies then life and taking care of others kept it on. Now it is time for me!! I welcome any comments!!!