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I was looking for an application to help me connect with people who like me need surgery to help acheive and maintain a healthy weight. I have several friends and family members that are obese or died from obesity related illnesses. Diabetes and all of its complications run on both sides of my family. To add to the risk factors I also have MS (multiple sclerosis). Its a mean disease. I walk everyday that my legs work. I have been blessed to be able to continue to work full-time and take care of my husband, four children, grandchild and mother-in-law. I love taking care of people and I needed to get healthy again after gaining twice my original adult body weight 122-125 to now 250-260. I have type II diabetes and take injections and two different pills to control my blood sugar which is also worsened by the steroids that I have to take for MS flare ups. I have gastrointestional problems ranging from ulcers, reflux to esophageal strictures that block food from entering my stomach from time to time. This sounds helpful but its really a violent and painful experience.
 
I waited 4 years to finally say it was time to get the gastric sleeve surgery. I chose this one because I will still absorb nutrients and the part of my stomach that is damaged and thinning will be removed. This according to my GI will also reduce my stricture activity. The weight loss will help with the weight bearing problems that come with my MS. My diabetes is already improving due to training myself to dine in a fashion that is bariatric friendly. Bariatric Pal will put me with people who understand that more than just size or weight this is a fight for my right to live in good health. No matter how large or small I believe whatever makes you feel unhealthy is a warning sign to do something. I have a plethora of warning signs that may or may not match my size.  I want the lean and healthy life minus all the pills that give me 5 or six side effects each.
 
I love outdoors, yard work, walk, hiking, beach going, and just visiting folks. I'm a nurturer by nature so I need to have the strength to keep on being true to my soul. So... I am learning to nurture me too. I look forward to cheering everyone on and getting the support that only someone walking a mile in my shoes could understand. So in advance I want to thank each and every person who took the hardest road to health there is... surgery. It is most certainly not the easy way out... Its the definition of a life changing tool that you cannot sit on a shelf.