Well Where Do I begin. My name is Melanie and I started my journey last year for my gastric sleeve. I've always struggled with my weight literally my whole life from 6 being morbid obesity. Never been a heavy eater or a snack person but i always seemed to just pack on weight. When I w a small 11 I almost lost my life to my appendix erupting please, I was down to my last and again at 14 and 15 I had a major cyst removed from my spin, on my u up per but crack. It had grown back 3 times and I was at risk then as well of dieing because of the infection started traveling try to go to my brain. After that I in seemed to keep picking up weight after 250 lbs in high school. I finally reached my end and decided to check into this surgery. Even tho I haven't had it yet it feels like the best day of my life/ best decision. I don't have diabetes, but I do suffer from one leg being longer than the other due to a child hood issue (also getting this to lose weight and get that corrected as well). Also have sleep apnea, and arthritis in my left and right leg. I'm nervous but a lot of these stories inspire and I'm dedicated to seeing this threw so wish me luck everyone. And please have me and my son in your prayers. Updated on 29 May 2019: It's been along time since I've updated my profile or life situation. So finally after 3 years and having to switch my insurance 6+ times and switching surgeons to Sacramento, I am finally in my pre-op stage and surgery date is June 11th and I'm am overly looking forward to this. Since my last check-in I am now 413lbs as of today from my weigh-in and my Surgeon is now Mrs. Dr.Gatsket in Sacrsmento, Ca and is very nice and accomidating, cant wait to take this journey with her. Ive been waiting and been patient for a long to to finally make it to this point, and things are only gonna get better from here. Keep me in your prayers and more updates to come, starting 2 weeks fluid diet on Saturday June 1st 2019 Updated on 13 Jun 2019: So to start things off my last weigh in was at 414lbs, and after my pre-op diet I was 402.5lbs before surgery. I am currently still in the hospital, trying to get this extra gas discomfort and pain gone before they release me home. All in all I feel it was well worth the wait, no where but down from here lol. And my Surgeon was and is Dr. GATSCHET in Sacrsmento, Ca. she's a great doctor and I just wanted to say thank you for everything and all the support from supporters on here I will keep you guys updated, thanks again. #LifeChange #LifeGettingInOrder