Hi! My name is Katie. I am a 29 year old kindergarten teacher living in Knoxville, TN. I have a wonderful husband named Jesse. We have been together since January 28, 2000, and got married October 3, 2008. I have two amazing children, ages 1 & 2.  I also have seven beautiful animals! Three cats and four dogs. Like a lot of people that are overweight, I have been big for my entire life. I have tried everything to lose weight! I've done Atkins, Slim fast, Calorie counting, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Phentermine...you get the idea. Nothing has ever seemed to work for me. Whenever I did lose some weight, I would just gain it back + some extra usually. Now, at 5'4, I weigh about 300 pounds, with a BMI of around 50. Which is why I began researching WLS! I have read about Lap Band,  RNY, VSG, and DS. After talking with my doctor, tons of research, and lurking around message boards, I have decided that the VSG is right for me! I am looking forward to living a healthy lifestyle and being able to enjoy life! There's a lot that being overweight prevents me from doing, and I am over it. So...keep your fingers crossed for me as I try to get approved for my VSG!