rosefromcali

My name is Rosie and i'm here seeking advice and support from those who have gone through the process themselves.
 
I'm currently 28 and currently weigh 208 lbs, 210 being the highest weight. BMI is 35.7 with co-morbid conditions of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, GERD, and pain in lower back and knees. I currently supplement 1 meal with a nutritional shake, use a portion control plate and do light exercise 3 times a week on my bike, elliptical and taking walks with my daughter. 
 
I started my journey last year in January when I first looked at the sleeve as an option but never contacted my insurance to look into it further. In June, I was hospitalized for Sepsis and recovered and finally decided to change my life around. In July I called my insurance and found out I was covered for Bariatric Services and would be able to get the surgery covered 100%, assuring I did the 6 month supervised diet. 

I met with a Service Excellence Center surgeon first, and weighed out all options. We decided with my BMI and weight, that a Sleeve would be the best option for me. At 5'4", my goal weight is 130. He explained the surgery would help with 60% of the weight, but I would have to put in the work for the additional 40%. I am willing to make that change.

Every month after that, I met with my primary car physician to weigh in and go over health options. I exercised regularly, tracked my meals and all progress on my phone on the Lose It app, my activity bands on my Apple Watch, and made sure to take my medications on time. IN the 6 months I weighed in, I fluctuated between 208, then 210, then 201, then back up at 206. With continuous exercise and even going to a trainer 3 times a week, my weight never changed. In February, I checked in with my surgeons office who informed me they submitted my surgery request to the insurance company. United Healthcare contacted me back 2 days later approving my surgery.

Update as of 4/21:

My surgery date is scheduled for May 4, 2017. Since my tests came back for the most part healthy and clear, I am only on a liquid diet for 1 day which is the day before surgery. Absolutely no food whatsoever, clear liquids only. After midnight, no eating or drinking water. 

May 1st, I go in for a pre-op appointment with my surgeon to go over all details of the surgery. Afterwards, I go for pre-op testing to have all tests done an hour later. 

 My goals after surgery are simple: I want to lose the weight I have and reach the goal weight of 155, eventually striving to get to 130. I want to be active and walk more, and even go on a hike without getting tired or feeling out of breath. I want to be off all 13 medications after 6 months if possible. I want to live a long and healthy life for my daughter and encourage her to be healthy, along with my husband.