De R.
I got to write my story.... Ok, was thin as I grew up as a kid. My nickname was twiggy. I was used to being skinny. I started to gain weight as I got into my teens and then realized that as I looked at food I would gain weight. I married at 21 to a man who never gained any weight and ate as he wanted. Food was an enjoyment for us, and I began to gain more and weight. It took about 10 years and we decided to start a family and I gained even more weight. It was really out of hand. I was over 300 lbs. I wouldn't go to outings because I never could feel comfortable in what I was wearing, I was feeling like I was an outsider. We went on vacation with my 4 year old son and I couldn't fit in the ride with the seatbelt. I went to the beach in t-shirts and shorts because I couldn't do a bathing suit. I wanted to do so may things with my son and was inhibited by my weight, I was so crushed. Then my work decided to go to uniforms, with tucked in shirts. A para-military organization with no female tailoring. I got my uniform and tucked it in and thought I'd die. I couldn't do it. I fought the management for female blouses that were untucked and finally won. But a memorial came with a full dress ceremony and required all shirts tucked in. I went to my boss who told me "I got to get a handle on this & I can't hide from this forever" and it was required to tuck in my shirt.... I called out sick. I realized how unhappy I had become from my weight, it just was taking my life away and my joy with my only child was escaping me. I had to make a decision. I immediately felt hopeless. I tried every diet out there with full enthusiasm. But it seemed the planning for the meals only had me obssessing over food. Finally I made a decision to look into the gastric bypass. I researched for 6 months. I made an appt with a surgeon, I continued to research, I went to meetings the surgeon held. I knew I was going to be able to do this. After a summer vacation of another embarassing season I was ready in October to go forward with the surgery. I didn't have my family support. They were too afraid for me, they only knew the negatives they had heard. My husband and work friends gave me all the support I needed. It's now been about 6 years since my bypass. IT WAS THE BEST THING I DID FOR ME. I was ready to eat different and I followed all the rules. IT IS A MIND CHANGE. It is no longer about quantity of food but the quality of food. I only eat the part I want and leave the rest because I now realize there will always be more food. It's not like I'm going to be hungry. I was able to get a tummy tuck and my breasts lifted and reshaped. I went from a size 26-28 buldging to a 10. I can do everything I want and enjoy my son, I can buy clothes right off the rack without trying them on. My life is so much better and I feel so much healthier. I am truly happy with my life.