Dave_2.0

Hello everyone my name is Dave and I'm going by Dave_2.0 on the boards. The 2.0 refers to version 2 of myself (version 1.0 didn't work out so well). I'm currently pre-op and just received my date for Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) for August 13th, 2015. I'm having my surgery performed on the military base Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson (JBER) by Dr. Justin Clark.
 
I'm 53 years old, 5' 10" with a BMI of 43. I'm Type II Diabetic, High BP, High Cholesterol, and Severe Mixed Sleep Apnea (Central and Obstructive). According to my surgeon and the research I have conducted on my own, it appears that although RNY generally has immediate effects on Type II Diabetes, in the long run (beyond 5 years) RNY only has a slight advantage. I also know from previous weight loss "adventures" that when I lose weight and maintain an active lifestyle I have pretty good control over my blood glucose levels. For me the added risk of future complications with RNY was not worth it. Plus to be honest I just can't get past the re-arranging of my internal organs. So I'm going with VSG and have stopped second guessing myself. Decision made using the best information available to me so it's time to move on. For the first time in my life I'm not going to overthink this to the point where I can't make a decision. My hope is that this procedure will assist me in making the life long changes needed to help me reach my long term health goals. 
 
I'm always interested in hearing from the Veteran Sleever's especially the Diabetics. Were you able to get off most of your medications? If you live in my neck of the woods let me know. I'll be looking to partner up with others wanting to enjoy the Alaska experience.
 
Summer of 2016 will truly be my summer of fun!