BMI 57 and Planning on Gastric Sleeve to Help, Atlanticare Weight Loss Center, NJ

I am 38 yrs old, 5'5" and weigh 343 lbs. I have been overweight my entire adult life; however, over 300 pounds from 25yrs til now. I have been on weight watchers and lost 72 lbs but gained it back plus 20 more. I lost hope in being able to lose weight. I had a hysterectomy last year and I believe that has changed my metabolism too. I watched the webinar on bariatric surgery and chose the Sleeve. Although my husband is not completely on board he is supporting me in my decisions. I met with my surgeon last week and he put me on a 1500-1200 calorie diet so I can get used to eating less. I have upcoming appointments with the cardio and pulmo docs, as well as a nutritionist that my insurance requires to see two months prior to surgery. We have an 11 yr old son and I don't want this obesity to win and rob me of my years with him. My dad died at 50yrs old and my mom died at 54 yrs old. I want to out live them by 30 plus years. It is scary to think about the complications of this surgery but when I compare them to the complications of living with obesity it is worth it to me. I read all of your posts and they are very inspiring and give me hope. Please share your thoughts, i'd love to read them ??

I went for my upper GI, CXR, EKG and BW today. My insurance company requires these tests in order to have the VSG. I have seen my nutritionist and psychologist but need to follow up with them again next week. Also, next week I see the pulmonologist for a consult, then the following week I see my PCP and cardiologist. WHEW!! I am a busy girl this month!! I am happy to report that I have lost 8 pounds in 5 weeks by following the 1200-1500 calorie diet my surgeon gave me. The nutritionist was very helpful in personalizing the plan for me. Once all of the visits are done and the consult notes are sent to my surgeon, then I can see him again for another appointment and to schedule boot camp, pre-op appt and surgery! I want the surgery in March. It gives me time to save money for the time I will be out of work, and allows me to lose more weight and adjust to the new way of eating. I will post updates after all my appointments are done :)

I am very excited about today's appointment with Dr. Onopchenko. I was cleared for surgery from pulmo and cardio, as well as psych and nutitionist. Today I get my surgery date. I am looking to schedule mid-february. I want to give myself enough time to get used to my new diet, and also be financially prepared for missing work...I will post my date later today. So far, I have lost 8 pounds on my own. It's a little duscouraging because I started the diet 10/15/14 and I feel like I should have lost more. I am proud of myself for the non-scale victories I am having throughout this journey because they are the ones that will mold me into my "new normal". Thank you to all who comment!! And God Bless!