slynn33
My name is Stephanie and I am 33 years old. I have been told that I am considered a "light-weight", although I have never felt like a light weight...... I am 5'4" and 224. I have high blood pressure and mild sleep apnea problems. I have problems with my knees hurting and get out of breath after walking up stairs. I have had problems with asthma in the past and have many health risks in my family. I am the oldest of 7 children and have two daughters of my own, 14 and 11. Obesity runs in my family along with heart conditions, diabetes, asthma, and cancers. My mother had RNY 2+ years ago, and has lost ~90 lbs. She has many health issues at age 53, but the surgery and the weightloss has helped her tremendously. She has severe osteo- and rheumatoid- arthritis. It scares me to death that I may develop some of these complications in the not too far off future. I have battled with my weight for about 10 years, and the first time I saw "Morbidly Obese" on my check-out form at the Dr's office, was a very eye opening day for me. At my highest weight, I was 243. I am miserable at the weight I am at now, and can't imagine gaining more. I am very much a "Live to eat" kind of girl. I love food. I have been able to lose 10-20 lbs. at a time before, by not eating fats, carbs, sweets and walking. But after the 10-20 lbs, it just stops, I get discouraged, or maybe comfortable (20 lbs can make a difference in the way you feel) and I'd start eating "normal" again. I do have problems with portion control. I think that is the number one problem I have. And usually it is at supper. I do pretty good with drinking water, although I do love tea. I am in the process of getting all the pre-requisits in. I have my PCP's support, I will see the Psychologist on Monday (7/2). And then I should be able to meet with the surgeon. I will be seeing Dr. Cook/Dr. Cox through Hickory Surgical Weightloss Center in Hickory, NC. I have BCBSNC and have heard they are fairly easy to work with as far as approval goes. I have been visiting this website for about a month now and have found it to be very helpful and informative. I want to thank all of you who have posted, some who have emailed me personally, I feel like I will be very prepared for what is to come and have a very good source of support, not only at home, and with family, but here with those of you who have been down this road. I am very excited to do something for me. In the past, my weight loss has been more for others, my husband (who by the way, has never judged me or tried to get me to lose weight, only encouraged me when i was trying), I do want to be slim and beautiful for him. But this time, i am doing this for me and my health. Hopefully, he will be able to benefit from it too. I am a very devout Christian. My faith in Christ has brought me through much over the years. I know that God will help me through this as well. God Bless you all, and wish me luck!
About Me
Before & After
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