CdnExpat

Diagnosed with MS in 1996 after the year from hell. Physical activity dropped from daily (race walking/weight training) to nothing. Gained 80 pounds in 10 months. Ended up in a wheelchair in 2000. De-stressed (changed city, job, career) and recovered enough to ditch the wheelchair. Lost and gained the same 20 pounds over the next 15 years and eventually resigned myself to be overweight. Got work overseas (on my Bucket List) and moved to the Middle East. Developed idiopathic hypertension in 2009 which medication couldn't control. Specialist suggested I work with a nutritionist, which I did. Wasn't impressed with her knowledge or professionalism - not an uncommon issue here. Went back for another suggestion, and doctor recommended I consult with Dr. M, a bariatric specialist.

Turns out he was part of clinical trials for new protocols for the VSG, and the study was taking subjects with BMIs under the qualifying guidelines but who had additional obesity related issues or chronic health conditions. I qualified on both counts and was accepted into the study. Whoo hoo! I did a tremendous amount of reading/research including lurking a lot on VST . Had the surgery April 4, 2012, and so far, no complications and definitely no regrets.