jhig

I'm new to WLS.  I have a close friend who had surgery in Feb 2015 and she's been a big encouragement for me to look into it.  I've only been to my first appt at the WLS center, have to do six months of Medical WL to get approval from my insurance company, so it's looking to be around Dec 2016/Jan 2017 for my surgery.  I'm planning on having VSG but am still open to the idea of RNY.  I will decide for sure once i meet with my surgeon.  I will be seeing Dr. Roderick Tompkins, M.D., at KDMC in Ashland, KY.

I've been a Paramedic for about 9.5 years; I was an EMT for about 3 years before that. So almost 13 years in the field.  I'm 37 now and starting my WLS journey right at 480 lbs.  I was 250 my freshman year of high school, 280 when I graduated.  I'd like to be back to about that size.  I realize 180 is more like the recommended weight for my height (6'2") but I don't think that's realistic.  However, I'm not opposed to going toward 200.  We shall see when the pounds start dropping.  Honestly I'd be happy with 300-320.  

Medical history isn't too terrible.  I am borderline hypertensive, mildly high cholesterol, GERD (acid reflux), obstructive sleep apnea (have religiously used CPAP for about 11 years), anxiety and depression (par for the course in my line of work).  Hoping to see improvements in those conditions.  But even more, I'm looking for improvement in my neck, back, knees, and the rest of my body that suffers from the extra weight and lifting required in my work.