S. Williamson
I can remember as early as 5 years old being referred to as "Fat." I grew up with the knowledge that others viewed me as fat. At the age of 11, my oldest sister (21) was 7 months pregnant with her first child. She was upset and crying because she could not fit any of her clothes. I was able to give her my clothes to have something that would fit. I decided to accpet being fat as part of my identity. This decision worked for a while until I began to develop co-morbidities. I developed high blood pressure and high cholesterol in 2001 and type II Diabetes in 2010. After trying Weight Watchers in 2006 and 2009 for 1-2 years each time, with little results, I made the decision to research WLS. Everyone I spoke with steered my toward having Lap Band surgery. However, during the information session for WLS at the hospital, I discovered that doctors are connecting the health issues and BMIs of the patients to the WLS that would benefit them the most. The surgery that would benefit me the most was the DS. I am lucky because I have more people to support me than deter me. Besides, when it comes right down to it, I am doing this for myself, my health, and my family.
