editrix
After reading so many of these stories on other peoples' profiles, I realize how common my story is, and I find that comforting. I'll share mine in the hopes that it brings some comfort to someone else.
I was a chubby little kid. I got a little leaner as I got older, but I was always solid. I'm tall too, so I've always felt a little like a linebacker (not pretty). In high school, I was really into martial arts and worked out hard every day. I was healthy, but still never thin. I got married shortly after I graduated from high school, and without the constant exercise, I put on weight. I got divorced (a good thing) and have continued to gain.
My weight has dipped every so often over the years, but has pretty steadily increased, until about two years ago. Nothing really changed in my life, but I started to gain more rapidly, and problems started cropping up. Right now I feel like I have the body and health of a person twice my age. I'm on medication for high blood pressure, acid reflux, and edema. I have to use a CPAP machine. I have to wear compression stockings in order for my shoes to fit. Late last year, I experienced my first panic attack, thought I was having a heart attack, and for the first time in my life was afraid that I was going to die. It ended up being celebrity syndrome (exhaustion, anxiety, and dehydration) and not my heart, but it was a wake-up call.
I've researched WLS for years, and now after talking it over with my family and my doctor, have decided to go for it. I feel like I have educated myself about the pros and cons, and I'm confident that I can use this tool to regain my health.
