peclark1966
Well I guess my story is pretty typical. I have been overweight as long as I can remember. One of my worst childhood memories was getting weighed in the 5th grade in front of all the other boys in my class. The nurse called out my weight, 204 pounds, and the doctor there doing the physicals said for her to write obese my file. I had no idea what that meant way back then. Like I said, I have always been a larger than average person. My mom took me to a doctor in the 5th or 6th grade after that incident, and he put me on a strict diet. That didn't last. Then again in high school my doctor had my mom take me to a nutritionist. I did well on that diet for a while, losing some weight. However, as is typical for me, the weight came back and then some. Well, through most of college I was obese. I went to Jamaica during the winter break of my junior year. I had my picture taken with a very good friend of mine out on a dock over the gorgeous blue water. I looked at the picture when I got home and I was disgusted with myself. So that summer, I began to exercise and tried to eat reasonable portions. I did lose quite a bit of weight and I was very happy during my senior year. Again though all the weight came back and then some. Well when I got my first job, I wanted to try losing the weight again. I tried one of those diets with the prepackaged foods, I lost 60 pounds. That didn't last, then I joined weight watchers. I ended up losing 180 pounds, again most of that came back. I have made other attempts without success since. So last June I attended a seminar to learn about weight loss surgery. I had decided it was about time to get the weight off for good. I have lived most of my first 40 years as an obese person. Now I want to live the rest of my life a thinner and healthier man. My weight has started to effect my health, so it is time. I decided to have the LAP-Band for various reasons. Portion control is my MAJOR downfall. With the help of my band I will better be able to control the amount of food I can eat. I have always exercised in one way or another, and know that one of the keys to success in regular exercise. I am hoping to get my husband Brian and our daughter Abigail involved in the exercise part as well. they could both benefit from some physical activity.
I really didn't have any trouble getting approval for my surgery through my health insurance. Thankfully, beginning in 2007 my health plan added LAP Band to the weight loss surgery they will cover. So that is the route I am taking.
I am very nervous about the upcoming surgery. However, I am looking forward to starting a whole new chapter in my life. I am hoping to have more energy to play with my daughter and take up a new hobby or two. It is going to be a huge adjustment in lifestyle, but as my therapist says I can handle anything life brings, i am stronger than I realize.
