My name is Michael. I peaked at my max weight at just a bit over 400 this past Christmas season. I knew I was on a path to disaster along with other health conditions that could be reduced with losing weight. Over a year a ago I approached the idea of bariatric surgery, but my insurance wouldn't cover it. This year it does. My health while not good had stabilizied and I decided to go through with bariatric surgery, even though I knew I was high risk. With or without surgery I had to lose the weight and there were risks to my health either way.

So I sought the care and advice of the Bariatric Surgery Team at the Hospital of University of Pennsylvania. We discussed the procedures available and what would be best for me. We went over risks and benefits. We decided to go with the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. I went through a pshycological screening, extensive medical history and physicals, blood testing, cardiac testing, etc. On April 20, 2010 I was operated on successfully. On my first visit post op I lost 22 pounds at 9 days out. I also lost about 25 pounds through diet and exercise prior to the surgery at the beginning of this endeavor, although my weight loss plateaud after 3 months. My goal is to get down to between 210 and 240 within a year. Its gonna take hard work and dedication. But its all worth it in the end.