Carol Annie

I retired about 5 years ago. I was a Case Manager for adults with developmental disabilities. I have continued to use my knowledge in that area as guardian for four individuals. I have been overweight most of my life and have yo-yo'd most of that time with various programs. I am a charter member of our local TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) group. Just before I retired, I had a knee replacement that became infected--long story short, there were 5 surgeries including one for removal of the first replacement (resulting in 3 weeks in a nursing facility and 8 more in a bed in our living room with a commode beside the bed). I had intensive antibiotic treatments (through a pic line) which made me very ill. I lost 89 pounds and, as I recovered, was sure that I would never "go back". I've watched the pounds creep back on and, because of the extra weight, my knee is very painful and walking is difficult at best. These are not the "golden years" I had planned. I gave some thought to lap band surgery several years ago, but insurance companies hadn't embraced it as a viable solution and cost was prohibitive. When I accepted that I was going to need some serious help with weight loss and was aware that Medicare does cover much of the cost, I began doing research online. That is how I came across K.C. Bariatric Clinic and Bariatric Pal. Reading such a variety of stories, good and not so good, I felt I had a good overview what might or might not happen. I did change my mind about the lap band--I think the gastric sleeve is right for me. I now have a surgery date of July 30--the journey has truly begun.