On December 30, 2004 I had the gastric bypass RNY surgery laporscopic at St Raphael's Hospital in New Haven CT.  My life was a rollercoaster of weight gain and weight loss.  I was diagnosed with chronic depression and I just did not feel good at all.  I had given up all hope of ever losing any weight or ever feeling good at all.

My cousin Jodi was having the lap band surgery and she asked me to go to a seminar with her.  I went and I was totally amazed at all the people that were there and how their stories were so much like mine.  I did not even have half the medical problems some of these people had.

I listened that night and I was totally convinced this was what I needed to better my health and my life.  It was something I needed to do for me and for my family for my better well being and survival.

So I made the first step and signed up with the surgeon for a consultation.  Within a few days I received a phone call to come in for an appointment and discuss my options.  I met with Dr. Denise Barajas who I was alittle leary at first, since she was young and did not seem to friendly at first, as I got to know her I was so very impressed with her professionalism and her compasion for others.  I then had my consultations with Chris Lodi and Diana the nutitionist and it was all a go after that. 

I went through the ketosis diet, the various blood tests, the various other tests and then I was approved for the surgery, next step was the insurance.  Well the doctor's office took care all of that and it was all a go for me to have surgery in January 2005.  Then I received a call that they would need to move the date up due to various worries about insurance cancelling.  So my date was changed to the New Years Holiday.  I was very nervous about being in the hospital on a holiday.  But I went through with it.

I have had so many problems over the years with my back giving out, my legs hurting, pains in my chest, always getting out of breath and just plain never feeling good.   My depression was getting worse and my family was so very concerned about my health.

What made me make my final decision to do this was we went on vacation in 2004 with my cousin, her husband, and their daughter to Busch Gardens and Washington DC.  Well I was constantly out of breath, sitting every minute I could.  I was getting sick alot and just all around did not feel good.  I tried to enjoy with everyone but it was so very hard for me.  Not fitting in seats, not being able to go on rides and the agony of walking around was just too much for me.  I finally said to my husband when we got home I need to do something to stop all of this, I want to have the surgery.  I was so very scared at first, but once I knew all about it and who my doctors were and what to expect I felt alittle more brave about it.  I joined the ObesityHelp.com website during my decision process and up until today I am so very glad I did.

I have made alot of wonderful friends I now consider my family.  I know when I need to talk about anything I can come here and chat on the Connecticut Boards with everyone.  I thank god every day that I made the decision to have this surgery and I would do it all again in a heartbeat.  I am now loving life and enjoying everything I could not before.  Thank you so much god for this second chance in life.

Create your own visitor map!