Geminitraveler

[size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][color=#000000][u][background=transparent][u]My research and understanding:[/u][/background][/u][/color][/font][/size]

[indent=1][size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]a. I reviewed the studies on RNY gastric bypass including the [u]risks[/u], [u]benefits [/u]and [u]irreversible[/u] nature of the surgery. I carefully read the studies and percentages.[/font][/size][/indent]

[indent=1][size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][color=#000000]b. I have also compared the results and risks of [u]lap band or gastric bypass[/u] [u]versus[/u] the results and risks of [u]sleeve gastrectomy[/u].[/color][/font][/size][/indent]

[indent=1][size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][color=#000000][color=#000000]c. I understand the dramatic [u]changes [/u]I must make both before and after the surgery. I’ve written them down, reviewed them with my family and read blogs and books about other’s experience. I have 3 cookbooks for post-surgery meals [/color][/color][/font][/size][/indent]

[size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][color=#000000][color=#000000][color=#000000][u]My life experience and motivation:[/u][/color][/color][/color][/font][/size]



[indent=1][size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][color=#000000][color=#000000][color=#000000]1. Most of my life has been [u]a cycle of gaining and losing weight[/u]. My efforts have failed to date and they say a definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and expecting a different result. I believe I am on [u]the road to becoming ever more obese[/u]. I lost the weight back when I was 34 and gained it back soon after turning 40. [u]I need the help of gastric restriction and reduction in hunger and malabsorption[/u][/color][/color][/color][/font][/size][/indent]

[indent=1][size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][color=#000000][color=#000000][color=#000000][color=#000000]2. I have [b]sleep apnea[/b] (20/16 BiPap pressure), [b]hypertension[/b], a [b]family history of diabetes[/b] with a diagnosis of [b]pre-diabetes from my PCP[/b], diagnosed [b]arthritis in both my back & neck[/b], and [b]plantar fasciitis[/b]. All of these can only be expected to get worse with weight gain. I fear the pain, diminished quality and shortened life I can expect without having the surgery.[/color][/color][/color][/color][/font][/size][/indent]
[indent=1][size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][color=#000000][color=#000000][color=#000000][color=#000000][color=#000000]3. When I become 62 years old in 13 years I want to be able to retire and enjoy 15-20 years of travel. I worry I won’t have this amount of time or the physical ability to travel if I don’t get the surgery.[/color][/color][/color][/color][/color][/font][/size][/indent]

[indent=1][size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][color=#000000][color=#000000][color=#000000][color=#000000][color=#000000][color=#000000]4. I care about my appearance. I am unhappy with the way obesity makes me look. It affects my social life and self-esteem. I have researched the plastic surgery I may need for extra skin.[/color][/color][/color][/color][/color][/color][/font][/size][/indent]