I have always struggled with my weight. I remember being called “Fat” at age 5. Up through 2008 I would gain & lose weight always added more then I lost. I tried every diet I could. However, regardless I continued to put on weight.  Then, I injured by back and things got much worst. My activity level went down, and my weight sky rocketed. I finally gave up and just started eating anything I wanted as it just didn’t matter. I was approaching diabetes and High cholesterol, I needed a 4th knee surgery, and had High Blood pressure. I was so depressed- I hated everything. I wore the same clothes over & over again daily, because I just didn’t care anymore.  It wasn’t worth the effort to find cloths that fit me anymore.  I even had a hard time staying clean, because I couldn’t even shower well. I was stressed from work, felt useless, hopeless, gross & ugly & hated myself. I was disgusted with myself & started to check into bariatric surgery. I ended up choosing the Lap-Band.

  The worst thing for me was missing out on my families lives. My back and legs hurt so much that I could hardly stand or walk. Over and over again I had to say “No” after telling him weeks before we would go somewhere or do something special. The look in my son and daughters’ eyes hurt me so much when I had to say we wouldn’t be doing whatever after all. My fondest memories of my father were of going on Cub and Scout campouts, something I couldn’t do with my son. I realized my children would never have those memories.

Then the Band changed my life.  I have lost over 210 lbs, and I'm still losing. Before, I was the guy who couldn't do anything. I just laid on the couch or bed. I now go camping with my son and his scout troop. I play at the Park with my daughter. My wife and I go on walks. I can finally do those things I was missing out on. I am part of my Family and part of their lives again.