Cindy W.
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HEllo!!!! This is my story and my life.
From as far back as I can remember, I always have said:
"I was born a medium.!" Ive never known small.
My mom said I was about 6lbs at birth but I dont remember that and even then, I would have thought I was a "medium".
My 8th grade I was 135 and 5'5. I am still 5'5. Gosh I wish I was 135 now!(Praying one day next year maybe!)
I always struggled with my weight. By the time I was pregnant with my first child and 20s I was hovering 165-170. I never saw those numbers again after my first child was born.
When I gained weight, I would have to exercise alot and reduce my meals to nothing to see any results. I over the past 10+ yrs have been on slim fast, weight watchers, atkins, Phen-fen, Cabbage Soup Diet, etc..you say it, Ive tried it.
I would lose about 20-30 lbs and be very happy about that. I would then go on a period of no loss no gain and then the weight would come back. 
At the point I had my second child I was very concerned about weight gain so I walked my whole pregnancy. I only gained 19 lbs with my son but I still topped the scale on delivery date at 203.
After that I very seldom saw the scale under 200. My 30s......I was still very active and enjoying the Florida Sun and life there.
Then my 40's came.................wow..
BOdy slowed down like a train at the station changing tracks and being put into reverse. Signs of physical problems emerged with a vengeance. Joint problems, HPB, Thyroid(30s),SVT(still dont know why I have this),and other issues. 
Last year(45 yrs old) was indeed the most trying yet blessed year of my life.
I got remarried to the most wonderful man in the whole world. God put him into my life. He loves me every day in just the right portions Ive always needed. His support and love keep me going every day.
Daughter got pregnant and moved up where I am to be with us due to undiagnosed severe medical conditions.(Later found out LUPUS-SLE-Rheumatic issues). My weight came on fast this year despite being very busy with life. Kids, Dogs, Land, Moving. 
I was hospitalized 2 times this year during my Birthday(46th) and pretty much was down and out the whole month of April.
Had been talking about doing something major to change my life. I stumbled on a website about weight loss and then onto a page about Lapband Surgery. I have read every article I can get my hands on and educated myself about Gastric Bypass Surgery. Beginning of May I went to my first weight loss seminar with a group at St Francis Hospital in Greenville, SC. (They are wonderful!).
Within weeks, with me still spinning and going WHOaaa THIS IS HAPPENING FAST! I have attended the appointments, got the records and Dr referral letters together, and the insurance approved my surgery.
Doctor had an opening so on 6/29/2009- will be the first day of the rest of my life. I am optimistic and excited about it all. I am at peace with this..
I am doing it for my health and my family. I want to be here a long time from now and watch my beautiful Grandson(4mos old now) continue to make my heart smile with his beautiful smile and things he is doing new every single day!
First and foremost, I am doing this for me! I want the me Ive never had. I want the Me that has always been here. I want the me that didnt enjoy my 20's-30's because i was labeled FAT. I want to let the SKINNY girl inside out! I want to hike up to the top of Table Rock Mountain and back again!
To be continued........ Today I weigh 248. I hope to never weigh that much ever again. 
