sammy13642
When I graduated school I was 215 lbs, Then I worked construction for about 8 years and stayed close to the same 215-220, after that I just kept putting it on, forward 17 years and when I went to my family Dr in Jan 2010 I stepped on the scales and 346lbs 
that is when I talked to my Family Dr about surgery, and she thought it was a very good idea for me to think about. I had seen over the years other people at work that have had surgery, and how much more healthy they look, and have talked to them and decided I could do it. On Feb 18, 2010 I went to Adirondack Medical center for the seminar and Then made a appointment at the center, first visit was 3/02/10 343lbs and I had decided not only did I want the surgery, I need it. Home I went, bought a new treadmill, started to change my eating, and on my way to getting the surgery done and the new and approved me. I have lost weight before on my own, but put it back on, hopefully with this tool not only will I lose the weight I will be able to keep it off.
3/30/10
Back to Adirondack Medical for some testing, blood work, ultrasound, physical therapy, and stress test ( which I now know is french for we are going to try and kill you 
) good thing I had started walking on my treadmill before going. Stopped in the weight center on my way out to get weighed in 317lbs, next step psychological eval and next Dr app 5/18/10.
4/6/10
Went for psychological eval today, talked for a short time, and then he says " I cant see any problem, I will get a letter to your Dr today." I asked if I could tell my wife I was normal 
and he laughed. ( She still doesn't believe me, guess I should have took her with me, so she could have heard it for herself 
.)
5/18/10
Went to meet Dr today weighed in at 304.5 lbs, talked to nutritionist and everything is on track.
6/18/10
Went to AMC for monthly app today weighed 298.5 lbs and was told paper work was being prepared to send to insurance company for there decision, next month group meeting.
7/19/10
Went to AMC today for group meeting, now waiting on call for what is next?
7/30/10
Got letter in the mail today from insurance company (Empire/ UnitedHealthCare) was dated 7/26 Approved, paper work was submitted on 7/21 so it took them 5 days to make there decision.
8/16/10
Got a phone call from Dr's office today, my surgery is scheduled for 9/21/10
Go to AMC 8/17/10 for group meeting ( pre surgery meeting )
Go to AMC 9/15/10 for pre op
Have surgery 9/21/10 
9/21/10
Had surgery, started out laparoscopic but had to finish open, my gallbladder had to also come out, was released from the hospital on 9/24 to come home.
9/28/10
drinking as much fluid and protein as I can at this time, getting up at least every hour if not more and going for a little walk around house, not much pain any longer but pressure and bloating ( not unbearable ). Go back to AMC for Dr follow up om 10/6/10.
10/06/10
Was at AMC today for first follow up since surgery, Seen Dr. Hill and he said everything looks like it is going good, will see me in 6 weeks unless I have any problem and don't hesitate to call. Also started pureed food and is going good, may take almost 1 hour to eat 1oz of scrambled egg but at least it stays down and taste good.
11/17/10
Had 8 weeks post op follow up with Dr Hill today, weighed 240.5 lbs. every thing looks good, he will see me in 4 months. Both Dr. Hill and the dietitian like the the types of food and the amounts of food that I am eating, was told to keep doing what I am doing and call if I have any problems or questions.
I have lost a total of 103 lbs since March my first visit to Amc to start this journey.
03/14/11
Had 6 month check up today at AMC, weighed 206 lbs. everything is going good , weight loss and labs. Will return for 1 year checkup in Sept 2011 unless I have any issues before then.
09/26/11
Had my One year check up to day at AMC, weighed 171.5 lbs. everything is good, labs look good. was told that I have lost more then 100% of weight that I had to lose. Next app is Sept of 2012 unless I need them for anything.
