I was thin once upon a time but I can barely remember what it was like.  I have been overweight for over 14 years and very overweight for over 10 years.  My story is so similar to everyone else’s.  When I was in my early twenties (and still thin) I was diagnosed with high blood pressure.  The meds from the high blood pressure sent me into a bit of a depression and then the antidepressants caused me to start gaining weight pretty rapidly. Of course they didn’t bring me to this point, I did that myself.  I know it was a combination of the depression (no energy, sleeping all the time) and the emotional eating, along with eating too much and moving too little. I knew I was getting bigger but all I could seem to do is watch it happen. 

 And of course I’ve tried several of the diets…Atkins, Weight Watchers, Slim Fast, low carb, low fat, diet pills, joined the Y, joined a gym, walked with friends, …the most I ever lost was 30 pounds and that was the Atkins diet.  As soon as I gave up I gained it all back plus some.

 I know two people that have had the RNY and did very well.  I have been considering WLS for myself for a few years but I never really thought it was a possibility until recently.  I am 37 years old, 5'6, and I currently weigh 236 lbs. (That's top secret information) I have high blood pressure (largely uncontrolled) and was recently diagnosed with diabetes.  I have other issues caused from obesity too such as hypolipidemia, malaise, constant headaches, skin issues, and joint problems. I want to be healthy and energetic again!  I want to be around for my children.

 My oldest daughter is my beautiful 19 year old, Megan, she’s not only beautiful but she is the kind of girl everyone wants to be friends with. Then there’s my second daughter, Hunter who is a total package with the beauty, the brains, and the personality…she’s 10 years old. My only son is Collin, who at 2 years old is the light of my life.  I also have a Yellow Lab named Kirby.  I married one of the most wonderful men until he became an alcoholic/addict and now we are separated and very unhappily married. 

 I have so much support from my extended family.  I expected for some of them to tell me it was too risky, too selfish, or that I can do it on my own without the surgery but I got full support from all of them.  My mom, grandmother, sister, aunts, cousins, and my kids, and even my STBX husband…they are so excited for me!  I think they must have been worrying about my health almost as much as I have. 

I can hardly wait to get on the losing side of this!