Denise's weight loss journey

I am so happy to have found this web site... I am so inspired by all of your stories that I want to get my story started on this site...

August 2009 I decided out of blue that I was going to have weight loss surgery- never had even contemplated it before. I attended a free weight loss surgery seminar.

September 2009 I found out that my husbands employer excludes any type of weight loss surgery- I cried, and cried....

October 2009 I found out the gastric sleeve is only $16,500- I decided I was going to do it anyway It took my husband over a week to give the go ahead.

October 2009- being self pay- everything is moving very fast. I went for my consultation on October 21st, I told them I wanted the surgery as soon as possible. They sent me over to the hospital the same day to have my upper GI ( yuck), blood drawn, chest x ray, etc. I came back and met with the nutritionist. After that they told me they had me penciled in for Nov.17th pending the outcome of all of my tests. On October 23rd I called and all of my tests came back fine ( other than low iron) Have to start 3 calcium pills, 2 multi vitamins and and iron pill every day. I have made it a personal goal to lose 10 lbs before I meet with the surgeon sometime before surgery.

I am very excited to do this for myself. I have spent the past 17 years doing everything for everyone but me. I am not nervous about the surgery, I just know it all is going to go great I have told everyone about the surgery- husband, parents, kids, co workers, sister, grandma- everyone- and almost everyone is happy and excited for me. I just can't wait to be able to wear cute clothes, workout at the gym, feel good, and to quit thinking about food all of the time. I have spent the past 17 years gaining this weight, I can't believe in as little as 12-18 months I can go from 306lbs to lets say.... 179lbs

anyway- I am very excited...........