Greetings KL!

Here's my story:

I was sleeved on February 24 of this year. Like many of us, I've been overweight all my late teen and adult life. I had considered weight loss surgery in the past, but always talked myself out of it with… "Oh, I just need to try harder. I can do it on my own if I just assert myself/stay motivated/etc, etc." And yes, I ran the gamut of attempts: Weight Watchers several times, Ideal Protein several times, old fashioned diet and exercise, nutrisystem, etc...

Several years ago I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Over the past few years, I've seen my medication dosages increase, and I started taking cholesterol and blood pressure meds as well. Things were pretty well controlled until last year when my numbers started to increase. I became more depressed, I ate poorly, didn't exercise and found my weight had climbed to over 380 (I had been hovering in the 350-370 for about a year, too). Finally, in late January, I had more bloodwork done, and it was ugly. I was miserable. I had no energy, and worst of all, I had no hope. Realizing that I had to do something, I threw in the proverbial towel on more traditional weight loss and looked into surgical options.

I too wanted the band initially, but further research indicated that the sleeve might be a better choice for me given that my BMI was over 60. My surgeon agreed. After a whirlwind of appointments and tests, I had the sleeve done. The procedure went smoothly, though I had alot of pain in the recovery room. Also, the first few days post-op were rough for me. I had pain in my chest and upper left shoulder. I had trouble breathing due to all my muscles being stretched out during the procedure. I also wondered what the heck I had done to myself. But by day 5, I was feeling much better, and I was back to work one week post-op. Two weeks post-op, and I was out fishing. I am blessed to have had a smooth recovery.

I am now almost 9 weeks post op. I have lost a touch over 35lbs since the procedure. I also lost 15lbs pre-op. I am one of the slower losers, and I'm in the middle of a stall right now (stall are common). I'm frustrated, but physically I am feeling better with each week. Best of all, I've been able to cut my diabetes medicine in half already. And my blood pressure is improving. My doctor thinks I could be off all meds by the end of the year.

I do have to emphasis that you really have to commit to the process. You will need to eat healthy and exercise regularly. The sleeve (or the band), is a tool. A very powerful tool! But you have to follow your surgeons instructions for maximum benefits.

I recommend taking a look around Bariatricpal.com. There's lots of useful information there, and tons of messages from people at all different stages in their journey.

Congratulations on taking these first steps. Feel free to ask me any questions, I'll do my best to answer them!

Here's my story, I started the process in December, my highest weight was 264. I've been overweight my entire life, even as a child. I've done every diet imaginable never lost more than 40lbs and eventually gained it back. I'm approaching 40 and I realized I couldn't lose this weight on my own and it kept creeping up. I was sleeved March 17th this year. I lost 17lbs pre-op and 22lbs post op in 6 weeks. I could not have asked for a better recovery, I feel great. I have a lot more energy. A lot of my aches and pains around my hips and knees have gone away and I'm only 40lbs down. It's only to go get better from here on out. I have absolutely no regrets.