Kim Goes Down

Changing my life, one step at a time.

In November 2016, I found out that I had high blood pressure and a previously undiagnosed congenital heart condition which was aggravated by stress. On top of that, I already had a busted knee from slipping on black ice and PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). My doctor’s advice was to try to lose a little weight since I’d put on quite a few pounds over the years.

I changed my diet, took walks, but the weight remained. I wasn’t feeling well, went back to the doctor’s and was sent to an endocrinologist who confirmed that I was pre-diabetic. I changed my diet some more, tried some medicine, still the weight didn’t budge. I was insulin-resistant. I was also in the stroke risk zone since so many people on both sides of my family had suffered strokes.

My general practitioner, endocrinologist and cardiologist all suggested I look into surgical options to help me get out of the stroke risk zone. For a few years, I’d been considering a vertical gastric sleeve. After talking it over with them and with friends who’d already gone through the operation, I made the decision to have one.

My operation date is set for 23 January.

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