Growing up I was always on the heavier end of the scale, but still considered normal. It wasn't until I reached 6th grade that my weight became an issue. I had been on the school basketball team for a couple of years and was always able to run around the court, but when I hit middle school I just could not do that anymore. During my 1996 summer vacation I reached 209 lbs., I was only 12 years old. I went on my first Slim-fast diet. I lost 9 lbs. and was so excited about my achivement. But as soon as school started up again I forgot all about the diet and went straight back to eating like I used to.My weight gradually continued to raise until I hit 250 when I was in my 10th grade year, almost ready to turn 16. I knew then that I had to do something about it and really restricted myself from food. With the help of having my tonsils removed, I was able to avoid food and drop down to 220.

I hoovered around 195-220 for a couple of more years until boys started coming into my life. When I got engaged to my first boyfriend I went from 220 to 185 in just 2 months. I worked out for 1.5 hours everyday and hardly ate - my parents were really worried about me... but I was happy with myself. After we broke off our engagement I went on an emotional roller coaster ride and made it back up to 200.I got into another relationship, which was toxic, and began to pack on the pounds. By the time that experience ended I was once again back up to 250, and had just turned 20. It was about this time I noticed changes in the way my body was working, in reguards to my female functions. Too embarrassed to go to the doc. I did nott look towards taking care of the problem for another year.

In 2005 I Ieft to go to school at BYU-Hawaii. I made it to 266 by then and felt horrible for the entire trip down to the islands. I had a difficult time fitting into the seats and frequently had to ask for a seatbelt extention. Awful! I just wanted to die. I had the most difficult time walking around campus and often stopped to catch my breath. Over time though that problem went away as I got used to walking so much.In Sept. 2005 I finally gave in and went in to see an OB/GYN. I found out that I have polycystic ovary syndrome, which contributed to my weight gain over the past 2 years. I was shocked and scared.

I managed to work out and lose some weight before Christmas that year, got down to 245. A few more months in Hawaii got me down to 222. I came home to Minnesota in order to change programs in school and begin nursing classes. I started working for the first 7 months I was here and sky-rocketed up to 277 by the end of 2006.4 months into 2007 and I have gained even more weight and now tip the scale at 292 lbs., and I am only 22.

I have finally had enough with this yo-yo life that I lead and am looking for a permenate, life-changing solution.At 23 years old I am not where I had hoped to be in life. I finally reached my highest weight of 328 pounds during Fall 2007. I have depression, PCOS, and I am morbidly obese. I do not socilize and have not been on a date in almost a year. I am constantly tired, sad, and stressed. I get winded when I walk, esp. if I have to climb a staircase. Both of my parents are overweight, and so I have genetics working against me. My life could be so much more full, and I know I have yet to reach my potential in life. My greatest desire is to be healthy. I frequently get sick, and I'm tired of it. As of now I am not physically able to have children, and that breaks my heart. I want to be healthy and active - and when the time is right, bring children into the world.

I want to feel like a woman, for the first time in my life - and be pleased with who I see in the mirror. I want to feel confident and free to go on dates, be with people, and enjoy life more.I WANT TO LIVE MY LIFE!!!!