Hi my name is Candy,   and I am 44 year old. I'm 5'7", and weigh 307 LBS the day of my WLS.

I was a normal healthy weight   as a child, teen and into my early 20's and then started to gain. At 23 we decided to have a baby, and I had some medical problem from the birth. I had several surgery's to fix what a very large baby does to you.   He weighed 11 LBS and 4oz. 24 inches long (half grown)   Then I started to gain weight fast. I tried several diets, but would only loose 25 to 30 LBS. Once on Atkins I lost 75LBS, but same story, gained it all back with some extra.

I take a lot of meds, about five for my heart and blood presure, statins, meds for GERD, etc....  I have had both knees scoped last May, and need to have the right one replaced right now. My feet, hips, back, and ankles all hurt. I have to use a wheelchair to shop, and a cane   to walk sometimes. I feel like I am falling apart at 44years old.

I'm a Paramedic.   I have worked on a Ambulance for 21 years as a EMTand EMT-Paramedic (Medic last 12 years). I was working one night and had some trouble with my heart. I ended up being transferd to Little Rock Heart Hospital for some serious electrical heart problems. I have been on Long term disability for two years now, waiting on my SS disability, but I still haven't received it yet. I hope after my weight loss surgery I might be able to go back to work. I have had several Ablations done on my heart, but still I go into V-Tach, and sometimes they can cardiovert me back into a normal heart rythem. It upsets me not to be able to work as a Paramedic, because I loved what I did !!!

I've been researching WLS for the last five years. And was going to have RNY until, I transfered someone in the ambulance that was very sick due to a leak, she was almost died. That was it, I was done with that idea. Later I thought about the band, chances are no leaks, very little of a chance dying. I went to a siminar and Dr. McAlexander talked about the VSG. I knew that was the WLS for me. I set up a appointment with my surgeon, and he told me, he thought this was the surgery I needed. We set a date of March 17, 2008. But it had to be cancelled because I ended up in the hospital a few days before with chest and left arm pain. So we had to get a new surgery date. After a bunch of test, x-rays,   CAT scans, and lab work. But finally April 28, 2008

I guess I need to tell you the most important thing about me, I am a Christian.  I am a follower of Christ. I Love the Lord. I know without him I would be nothing. I believe that I do have a purpose, and I am still searching for it.   The Lord has saved me, from Evil, and now I owe every living minute to him. And I try to do my best to serve him. With God all things are possible.  

I've been married for 25 years to a great, and loving, husband.     And I have one wonderful grown son that is 20 years old. They both are suportive of my WLS.

We have a dog named Will   (Willie Wonka) he is my baby, he is a maltise mix we think, he came from Huracaine Kitrina pet rescue effort. We think he is about four years old. He has been the best thing for me. I walk him, even if I don't feel good. I also have three birds, Gabriel, Angel, Patty. They sing so happy in the mornings.

I used to do all kinds of fun things, but now I don't because I don;t feel good or I have no energy. I used to love to work, I love to travel out of the country to any islands, I like to   camp at the lake, in our fifth wheel camper, sit by the camp fire and visit with friends. I like cooking outside at the lake. I used to Scuba dive, now can't because I pass out. I like to read a good book. I love to do new things. I like to trout fish, drive my jet ski, and go out in our boat. I used to ski, but my weight and knee will never let me do that again. I love going to Church. I am ready to start my life over with WLS, and hope I get my old life back.

I want to live my life the way I should be living it. Not sitting back and watching everyone else . I hate to be left behind. I want to actively participate again in it. And I hope I can after my weight loss.

I can't wait to get this journey started.
Candy