Hi Everyone,
My story... I'm 47 years old and have struggled with weight my whole life. Thankfully, I have always felt pretty good and been pretty active. I have never been able to successfully keep the weight off. I am now taking two oral meds for diabetes, daily insulin injections, as well as blood pressure medications, cholesterol medications, reflux medication, and I use a CPAP for sleep apnea. Most recently, I was also diagnosed with fatty liver and chronic kidney disease. ALL of these health issues are obesity related.
So, for me, this surgery is for survival. I feel like I am at a fork in the road and I needed to choose the path that would provide the greatest possibility for long term quality of life.
I live in SF Bay area, and am fortunate enough to have Kaiser Insurance, which has so far been fantastic.
Where I am in the process:
In early May I went to a required informational session after expressing my concerns with my GP. Once I completed that, I was referred to the Bariatric surgery department. On June 1st I attended the mandatory half day orientation and met with a nutritionist. On June 13th, I met with the surgeon, Dr. Aaron Baggs, to review the different surgical options, review my medical history, etc. He told me he wanted me to lose 6 lbs, before the surgery.
Things are moving pretty quickly so far. In fact, I could have scheduled an appointment for today, June 20th, with the psychologist, but due to a scheduling conflict, I made the appointment for July 10th. Assuming I have the 6 lbs off by then, I'm told the surgery will be scheduled shortly after that. So, I'm thinking sometime in August 2017.
Anyway, my mind is swimming over this whole thing, excitement and apprehension and a whole range of emotions.
Any stories or insight would sure be appreciated.
Thank you all and best of luck to you in your continued journeys!
Chad Davisson
