So here it is, the day before my sleeve surgery. I've been up since 5:00, went to the store, cleaned the litter box and taken out the trash. My mind is racing, trying to think of anything I've forgotten to do. For the moment, all I think I have left is to do laundry and pack my bag. 6:00 can't come soon enough!

A bit of background about me - I'm a 51 year old single mom. Even though my children are all adult (at least technically, I feel mom is my most important identity. However, I got a bad case of empty next syndrome last year and decided I need to find something to occupy my time. Otherwise, I would sit in front of the tv more than I already did and gain even more weight. So I started back to college. When I graduated high school, college seemed important only if you were going into a specialized profession (doctor, psychiatrist, lawyer, etc.) So I went to work instead. I got married young (22), had three children and then decided at the age of 30 that I couldn't live the rest of my life in a bad relationship. So I left with my 1, 6 and 7 year old. Those were some tough years but so much better for all of us. I know have a married 28 yo son, my 26 yo son is in the Air Force and my 22 yo daughter is in college.

Taking classes again (I went to school part time in my 30's) has been so much fun. I've always enjoyed learning new things and although I started out interested in digital forensics, I think I'm switching to multimedia web design. It ties more closely to my current job and besides, it's more fun!

Anyway, in bettering myself via education, I also started getting serious about my health. My daughter was diagnosed with MS two years ago and although she's doing pretty well, MS is a disease that can change on a dime. I know that I need to be as healthy as possible and stick around a long time in case she needs me.

So after finally obtaining health insurance after going without for 10 years (thank you, President Obama and the ACA!), I had a physical at the beginning of the year. My doctor asked if I had considered weight loss surgery, and when I said yes, he really perked up. I originally thought about getting the band because it was reversible and seemed the least invasive (lol). My doc was the first one that mentioned the vertical sleeve. He had it done last year and said it was the best thing he's ever done in his life. In fact, his wife had it done as well. My family has been going to this guy for close to 20 years, so this made a real impact on me.

I went to an information session, still thinking about the band. Then I heard about the success and complications rates. In contrast, the sleeve sounded like the most eloquent and effective option. So I started my six month diet plan, ran through the battery of tests and got my approval in July. In the meantime, I had my gallbladder removed (the main reason for getting insurance in the first place) and surgery to repair my deviated septum. I also did a sleep study, was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea (my only co-morbidity) and issued a CPAP. So at this point, all my out of pocket expenses have been met (or billed at least) and my sleeve tomorrow should be "on the house."

Throughout the last eight months, I haven't been as strict on my diets as I should. My highest weight a couple of years ago was 305. At the beginning of the year, my weight was 294. This morning, I weigh in at 266. I have lost a total of 12.5 inches since I started tracking it in April. I have two weight goals. The conservative one I set with my surgeon is 190. This is the lowest weight I remember being as an adult and I felt really good and thought I looked pretty good (I was 5'8-1/2" at the time, I've shrunk an inch since then!) Checking the BMI calculators, 165 would be the highest weight I could have to be considered in the normal range. I do have a large bone structure (I know, everyone says that) so I don't know if it's attainable or not. I think I will be happy with anything between that range, frankly.

Anyway, this hasn't been too funny of a post, but it's my first one. I have to give some background and endear me to your hearts before I release the snark. And don't worry, it's there. I've just got it chained up for the moment.

If you're just starting out in your journey to sleeve surgery, hang in there. Read a bunch of stuff, get educated and ask questions. Make sure you are mentally prepared to make this life changing decision. If you focus your will and effort on it, you will be successful!