Iris W.
I am currently 27 years old, and I have always been fat. I can honestly remember weighing 210lbs in the 5th grade!! What I wouldn't give to weight that now. :) I struggle with severe depression and find it very hard to adapt in social settings. I always feel like people look at me just as the "fat girl" that I am and don't always take the time to get to know the real me. I don't have too many problems making friends, but when it comes time to go to the next level, it's always the same excuse--"Iris, you are an awesome friend and I love hanging out with you, but I just don't date large girls." I try not to let it get me down most days, but to be honest it has gotten quite difficult in the past few years.
About 3 years ago I started doing research on the gastric bypass surgery. At that time I never thought I would have the courage to go through with the surgery. I was really looking at it as the VERY LAST resort. After alot of information gathering and speaking with others who have had the surgery (all of whom had very positive experiences), I decided that it was time to pursue it. It didn't hurt matters that the insurance that my job provides covers all of the costs of the surgery. So I had my surgery on 1/10/2007 and where does that leave me now you may ask? Well, it was the best decision I have ever made. The first few days were really rough and I really questioned what I had done. I was literally devestated at what I had given up, because I did not yet see what I was going to gain.
I have learned so much in the 2 months since I have had surgery. I have lost about 44lbs and continue to lose, on average, about 4lbs per week. I thought I would lose faster after surgery, but I am satisfied just to be losing. I finally comprehend that this is a lifestyle change and by no means a quick fix. I am constantly researching what I should be eating so that I can make the healthiest choices. I eat very small meals about 4 times a day, drink a TON of water, and I try to exercise for at least 45min at least 5-6 days a week. No longer are any of these things a chore or a diet, nor am I miserable because I can't eat fries, chips, chocolate, burgers, and all the other junk food that I thought I enjoyed. I have come to see how much better the human body will feel and perform when you give it the nourishment that it deserves.
For anyone who may read this and is thinking about the surgery, I would ask that you remember two very important things--1--it is not a quick fix and 2--you have to be ready to commit yourself to getting healthy. If you are not able to do both of these things for the rest of your life, the surgery is not an option for you. As my surgeon said numerous times, he has equipped me with a "tool" and it is up to me how I use it. I have chosen to stay in it for the long haul and reach my goal weight of 135lbs. I have chosen to use it for it's intended purpose and that is for me to get healthy and stay healthy!
