My name is Telisa Swan and this is my very first blog - ever. It actually took me a couple of days to figure out how to write on this page. I am not the most computer-oriented person on the planet.

I have joined this forum because, like everyone else, I have decided I would like to take control of my weight problem in a big way. The Vertical Gastric Sleeve seems like the best way to go for me. My daughter had a Gastric Bypass about 6 years ago and she is doing marvelously well. She weighed nearly 500 lbs. and now weighs a healthy 160. While the GB worked great for her, I feel the Sleeve will be better for me.

Currently I weight 311 lbs (down from 325), and have a BMI of 44.7. I have been heavy most of my life. I am a professional tattoo artist and I quite well known in my field. Still, I feel my weight problem has really held me back in my career. The tattoo industry can be quite "looks" oriented and all the talent in the world won't get you featured in the tattoo magazines if you are fat and unattractive. This prejudice is only a little less of a problem for men in my line of work. In reality, ANY person who is overweight in our culture has this kind of problem. You can be the best at what you do, have a charming personality and a sharp wit - but if they don't like how you look, they won't give you the time of day.

That said, it is not the only reason that I want to lose the weight (though it is the most painful issue on a daily basis). I really want to be able to live a longer, fuller life. As it is right now I can't do a lot of the things I want to do. I can't fit comfortable on an airplane or ride on a roller coaster, etc. I would love to do some hiking without running the risk of a heart attack (got a heart stint in 2003). I would just like to able to truly LIVE.