40 Something Year Old with Health Issues Looking to Be Healthy Again - New York

As most of you that have been on the site, I've been researching weight loss options for many years and have been on this site for over a year. Just reading and reading and have decided to begin the process of WLS surgery myself. I'm 5'2" and 215 lbs. I was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure about 4 years ago from a virus which attacked my heart muscle and in turn made me very ill. My heart function was 20%, now 35%. After 6 months, I had a defibrillator/pacemaker implanted and this has been life for the past couple of years. As many of you who decide on WLS, I have been overweight since a teenager and have tried numerous diets, exercise programs and have successfully been able to lose 50 lbs on my own but gained that back plus more 3 years later. The fact that I was working out a few times a week before my virus is one of the reasons I feel I was able to survive such a low heart function. I'm on several medications a day for high blood pressure, cholesterol, multiple heart meds. I do feel that my body has changed severely and the process of losing a couple of pounds is not the same. I keep gaining, gaining and gaining. I need to take control of my body and get my SEXY back! I'm way too outgoing to have this weight hold me back from being the person I know I can be. I almost lost my life 4 years ago and have not told anyone but my sis in my immediate family because I know they will think I'm NUTS! I'm not afraid of surgery and I feel this is something that I need to do to feel better and may help my heart function level as well. I'm already beginning the process of all the appointments and testing. I had my psych consult last week and was given the approval for surgery. I had my sleep apnea testing done, abdominal ultrasound, began food & fitness classes as well as support group classes. I am due for an Upper GI series mid march and a few more things and I'll see the surgeon again mid April to move forward and hope that my insurance will approve the surgery. Thanks to everyone on this site who has given me great detailed advice along the way. I hope to join you all on the SLIM SIDE soon! I'm open to more suggestions and advice.

Well I had my upper GI done today! Doc should have the results by tomorrow! I'm having a hard time with my eating habits. Gain gain gain! I wasn't supposed to gain since I started the process. Where is the motivation when I need it!! I have to get my mind right! I have one support group to go, medical clearance form and cardiac clearance letter from my cardiologist before I return to see the surgeon mid April! Then hopefully clearance from insurance! Looking forward to what's in store for me this year!

I have one more support group to attend besides my medical and cardiology clearance. My cardiologist wants to know what surgery and anesthesia I will be having before giving me clearance. I have no darn clue so I figure the surgeon can get in contact with the cardiologist and make this happen! My doc is waiting on the cardiologist report to clear me. I guess i'm in no rush, I'm due back to see the surgeon and nutritionist mid April. I figure I'd would have seen the nutritionist already but I guess they have their own method to their madness. Either way I won't be able to schedule surgery at least until mid June when I have a break. My family still does not know and I've been keeping pretty quiet about everything in general.