The first time anyone told me I was fat was when I was 9 years old and in 4th grade. My teacher told me I was too fat and should go on a diet. I don't remember a single name of any teacher I had before high school...except for her. Mrs. Novak. I'll never forget.

I haven't weighed less than 150lbs since sixth grade/age 12. The minute puberty hit, the pounds just started packing on. When I was 19 I joined WW for the first time and lost about 28lbs..getting down to about 170. I maintained that weight for only a few months before creeping back up to 190's.

When I got married at 22 I was hovering around 200, but it was spread out and I was young and my skin was nice and firm...so I was a size 18 and felt pretty good.

Weighed 212 when I got pregnant with my first child. Tipped out at almost 270 by the time I gave birth. Lost less than 30lbs with delivery and never lost another pound.

Second baby left me around 250/260. She's ten years old now and I'm 269 most days. I've been between 260 and 270 for the last ten years. Done WW, TOPS, and Jenny Craig. Never able to lose more then 20/30lbs and never able to keep it off for more than a few months.

Emotionally I feel defeated and hopeless. Physically I feel bloated, over stuffed, achey, winded, sore, tired, and way too old. I'm only 37! I shouldn't feel this bad.

I have mild apnea, high cholesterol, IBS, and a long history of depression. Otherwise, I am healthy. My GP says I'm an ideal candidate for WLS and she's encouraged me to look in to it.


Despite all my worries, fears, and self-doubt, I think this is what I need to do and I believe I'll be better off for it. Time will tell.