The Journey to a Better Me! Growing up I never had any problems with my weight. On my early twenties and while trying to become pregnant, I was faced with challenges that somewhat altered my metabolism and state of mind. I began to gain weight. In my attempt to become a mother I didn’t think any of it and focused on the task at hand. Well, that never happened but I did gained more that I bargained for. After so many years trying without any results, I called it off and decided to take care of myself. I lost close to 80lbs and never felt so good about it. Time past and while on a healthy relationship we decided to give motherhood another try. Once again, nothing happened and we were left not only weight gain, but also more debt than anticipated. A long story short, my battle with weight loss, as many of you reading this have experienced, is a constant and endless one. About 5 years ago I went through a medically induced menopause due to a hysterectomy. Within a month of the surgery we relocated to a different state (hubby had a new job). Within a year from the surgery, and during a yearly physical exam and my backache complains, I was diagnosed with a lumbar herniated disc. Those who are familiar with this know how painful it can be. It is a very scary experience, especially in the mornings after waking up and not being able to walk because the pain is excruciating. I continued to gain more weight and the stress over it doesn’t seem to go away. I’ve tried walking, stationary bicycle, different diets (low-carb, low-fat, nutrisystem, pills, injections, etc.) nothing worked. Even if UI get to lose 5, 10, 20 pounds, I will regain them faster than it took me to lose them, and then some. In 2014 I attended one of the Atlanta Bariatrics Center seminars at Emory Johns Creek Hospital, about weight-loss surgery. It was given by Dr. William Johnson, whom I may say was very opened and attentive with the information, and questions from attendants. I was able to have a talk with him afterwards, and felt very confident about making that first step. Still a year passed by before I was able to move forward with the procedure mostly due to new medical insurance, and time. Last July 2014, I was diagnosed with diabetes and early this year 2015 with high levels of cholesterol. Not sure if some of the medications I’m taking has caused the increase of cholesterol, but there I currently am. On April 8, 2015 I was referred to Dr. William Johnson by my primary physician for a bariatric surgery consultation, and on May 12th, 2015 I’ve got to visit with Dr. William Johnson to discuss the best procedure for me. I need to mention that Dr. Johnson was not a stranger to me, since I first met him at the seminar and also on May 29, 2014 he removed my gallbladder after a painful and terrible couple of weeks. Also, weeks before the appointment, I contacted my medical insurance to make sure bariatric surgery for weight-loss was covered under our plan (Blue Cross/Blue Shield). During the appointment I was able to ask all the questions I had at the moment. Dr. Johnson took his time to answer all of them, and explained the different procedures available. Even though I went in with my mind set on the lap-band, after discussing it with him and researching more, I’ve decided on the gastric sleeve. Oh yes, my weight and that stuff: the day I was referred to Dr. Johnson, I was at 212 lbs the highest I’ve weighted. On the day of the first appointment to discuss bariatric surgery I weighted 208 lbs. I’m only 5 feet tall and 49 years old, and yes, female. ? The day of the consultation (May 12, 2015), I spoke with the Bariatric advocate to discuss the insurance and paperwork part of the ordeal. I was given a bariatric surgery pre-op documentation checklist which contains all the necessary and required documents we must. An online registration, pre-op testing (blood work, EKG and upper GI), Dietary consultation, Psychological evaluation, attend at least one support group meeting before surgery, among other simple things. I wasn’t required to give a detailed weight loss history, although the letter from my primary physician briefly mentioned all the important aspects of my medical history. I was able to complete and delivered all the documents needed within a couple of weeks. I was told that once they have all the documents in hand, they will be reviewed by Dr. Johnsons who will approved them to be redeemed to the medical insurance. This could take from 2 to 4 weeks I was told. On June 19, 2015 I received an email from the advocate indicating that my paperwork was sent to the medical insurance and now all we have to do is wait. All this time I’ve been a little nervous…I should say more curious than nothing else, with the wonder of what would the insurance say. Meanwhile I’ve been researching and browsing all types of sites about gastric sleeve procedure, and the so motivational stories from all of you. Still asking myself if one day I would be able to share my story to all of you, new and pros! Well, last Friday July 3rd, 2015 I received another email from the Dr.’s office saying that insurance approved my surgery, congratulations!! YAY? They also called me to share the news and give me a series of dates for the upcoming event. So the dates are July 22, 2015 for the pre-op. I need to be in the Dr.’s office at 8am to sign my consent, meet with Dr. Johnson, and meet with the dietitian. I also need to go to the hospital (which is across the street from the office) to meet with the anesthesiologist. Surgery date is July 31st, 2015 and need to be at the hospital at 8am for admission and my surgery has been set for 10:00 am that day. So meanwhile I continue to read, read and read some more. I’ve made a list of the different sites and places for all types of food, products (protein shakes, etc.) you guys and others have mentioned so I can discuss them with my dietitian on the 22nd. Together with a list of questions for the doctor as well. Funny how when we get to the office we forget everything we wanted to ask, so I’m trying to prepare myself so I don’t forget. My apologies for such long read. Just wanted to share as much as possible in a brief manner without boring you to death. ? I will continue to update my experience as anything changes, questions or crazy thoughts come to mind. Have a great day all!