I have been overweight my whole life.  I have been able to loose large amounts of weight at times, only to gain it back plus some.  My weight is that one thing that I have not been able to conquer. Now at age 41, my health is showing signs of wear and tear caused by a lifetime of abuse.  My joints constantly ache; I have high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and borderline type 2 diabetes. Wow… I’m a mess!  I find it difficult to breathe after just moderate walking. (Living at 7,000 ft doesn’t help)

At an August visit to my Doctor, Dr. Lynn Huffman, she said “So…what do you have against Gastric Bypass Surgery?”  She went on to say “you need it; it’s obvious that you need help in maintaining a healthy weight.” This was the first time a Doctor has ever presented this option to me.  I’ve known people that have had it in the past, but always thought to myself I can do it by myself.  Well obviously when I weigh 338Lbs. (yes that’s what I said…can’t believe that I put it in print, but I am all about being honest here.)

Doing it myself is not working!  Some people have said that was not very nice for the doctor to say that, I think just the opposite, I feel like she threw me a lifeline. I feel like she gave me a second chance at hope and a start for a new life. I am so blessed to have a knowledgeable and caring doctor.  I was referred to a wonderful Surgeon Dr. Ihor Fedorak. I immediately began researching the surgery and my surgeon. Turns out he is the cream of the Crop.  Sean and I met with him and I couldn’t feel any more confident. He was very frank with the complications and told me straight out that this was a major surgery that would change my life forever. He was very clear that “It was not the easy way out!”  He put it to me as this surgery is simply a tool to loose and maintain my weight.   I have a wonderful support group to attend as well. I plan on staying with the group after my surgery.  There are members in the group that are years out from surgery and some that are weeks out. I look forward to a new life that is full of healthy living. My life will change drastically over the next year, I will loose 60-75% of my total body weight. I will be exercising daily and doing weight training 4 times a week. For those of you that have known me for years be prepared for a new and healthy Wanda. Thank You in advance for your support, It means more that I could ever put in writing.  Please read my blog and check on my progress.