My name is Pat and I am 56 years old (man, that sounds old some days!)  and live in East TN. I used to be a manager of a dept for data processing - computers - but left that and had twins in 1984. I have been a school bus driver for 17 years. Originally from the northern suburbs of Chicago, we moved here 3 years ago. I have been overweight I think my entire life. I used to joke with my mom that my size 16 birth must have been very hard on her. My lowest weight that I can remember truthfully was in 1982 at 138. ( highest was 242 with the twins) I would be happy to have my goal weight that now, although I havent set that goal yet. I have tried just about everything as far as diets go- along with exercise. I have lost weight before, but have gained it back, and more. A very familiar story I read here on this forum. I have eaten really healthy and exercised like nuts, and never lost a pound. I even had that basal metabolism thing done, and was told I needed to eat like 2800 calories a day to lose weight. Didnt even try that. Joined weight watchers - a couple of times - and actually gained weight on that, and I was religious about the logging food and the exercising. They told me not to quit, but how could I keep going,paying, and gaining? My husband is 64,looks like 44, and acts 14, and is my friend, lover and cheerleader - and doesnt have an ounce of fat on him, and seldom can be found sitting, and has abs my daughters even admire- without exercising...He and his long-lived family and their health histories and looks are what genetics is all about.Well since I didnt get dealt that genetic hand, I have decided to alter the genetics with the sleeve tool in hopefully a way that will enable me to live longer, healthier, with less pain, and one day maybe weigh less than my hubby. ( a solid consistent wt of 155 for him). I do laugh when he asks me if I think he is getting a tummy. I smile and say, "I dont even dream thin, and would love to have your tummy!"
Maybe someday, huh? 
So I am in the process of pursuing the sleeve, getting insurance issues settled, and hoping to have surgery while I am off this summer. Only 24 days of school left. YEAH!! So glad I have found this forum,and am grateful for all the info it has provided me to assist me in making the best decision I have made in my life, in order to live the rest of my life!