Keith W

Well, hello all! I received approval from my Insurance Provider on Monday, 06/03/2013. My pre-op Labs and X-rays are scheduled for Monday, 06/17/2013 and my EGD is scheduled for the following Wednesday, 06/26/2013. I assume that my surgery will be scheduled about 02 weeks from then. I'm excited, to say the least. My approval process began on 03/14/2013 and as I stated earlier was approved on 06/03/2013; So less than 90 days. I was aware of the insurance requirements, so I had completed the 06 months of supervised weight loss prior to my initial physician consult. I attended 02 surgical weight loss seminars and had a heart-to-heart with my PCP before deciding to proceed, so I didn't think twice nor procrastinate at all. My primary chronic issue that contributed to my fight with obesity was Bi-lateral Osteoarthritis. My knees have given me problems for as long as I can remember; Since at least 1995. Weight was not an issue at that time,(so I thought) In fact, I was quite the athlete. Skiing, Racquetball, Basketball, Swimming, and Weight Lifting. My average weight from 1995-1998 was 250lbs. Although I felt that I looked good for my height and muscular bild, my Ortho was constantly advising me to lose weight. Needless to say, 05 knee scopes later, I found the ability to participate in any exercise activities more difficult as the years rolled by. I then found my self unable to run, play ball, ski, etc., without experiencing <10 level pain and swelling in both knees. Fast forward 200lbs later, I find myself in need of bilateral total knee replacement surgery, but not before undergoing the Gastric Sleeve. My goal is to hit the pool every day post-op, and get back to my USMC weight of 195, then undergo the TKR. I'm motivated and pumped to take control and hit that target weight goal. I know I can't do it alone, so hopefully by checking in with this community on a regular basis, I can feed off the energy and success stories documented. Thanks for welcoming to your online support group!!!! I can't wait to begin sharing my weight loss journey. [b]Semper Fi.........[/b]