Mike Sheridan
I have been struggling with my weight since High School, that was over 30 years ago. In college they called me "Whale". I was fortunate that I never seemed to let my weight get to my self-esteem. Not everyone is that fortunate. It has been a steady progression up to over 400 pounds for me. I had a knee injury in 1986 that required major surgery to repair and a ruptured a disc in my lower back in 1990 that also required major surgery. I believe I have suffered in my career because of my weight even though I always managed my attitude, appearance and grooming appropriately. They didn't care. I have a beautiful wife of over 25 years, who does not have a weight problem but has always supported me. I have three great boys 21, 18 and 11. They love their Dad unbelievably and claim that my weight has never been an embarassment to them, though I sometimes wonder how it couldn't have been. I am now 50 years old, everything hurts, I can not excercise, I have metabolic syndrome and blood pressure issues and have become very disengaged from everyday life. I have trouble moving around and go through mattresses and recliners like they're free. I started researching WLS about 5 years ago, and two years ago was rejected for surgery by Aetna Health (don't get me started on those assholes), So I changed jobs, changed health insurance companies and changed physicians, mine at the time did not support what I wanted to do. I also found who I believe is THEE BEST WLS doctor in the Pacific Northwest at the Rockwood Clinic in Spokane, Washington. Dr. Andrew Bright, M.D. and his staff are the most professional and compassioate folks when it comes to WLS that I have encountered.
This past Monday, 1 June 2009, I had my Ruen-Y Gastric Bypass surgery at the Sisters of Providence Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, Washington. I was released today and arrived home in the Tri-Cities of Washington (Kennewick) a few hours ago to start my new and exciting Life. I'll keep you posted and if anyone would like to discuss anything on this subject with me please contact me via this website.
