Shari S.
My story... Well, I'm sure it's like preaching to the choir, but here goes...
I've always felt like I've been heavy, even though in high school I wore a size 7, was a cheerleader, and looking back, wasn't too bad. I did weigh 148 pounds at 5'5" though, so it was definitely a number thing. My friends were all in the 120's and were always "amazed" at how much I weighed. I should've taken it as a compliment, but...
So I was 154 when I met my husband (1993) and 173 when I got married (1996). With each child, my post-delivery weight never declined much, and after my 3rd child I joined weight watchers at 194 pounds. I got down to 173 but slowly and surely gained it back. I have tried WW, LA Wt Loss, NutriSystem, Low-Carb, South Beach, all pickle juice diet (just kidding), etc. I've always felt like such a failure as my weight never came off as predictably as I would have liked.
A few months ago, my PCP suggested I look into Lap-Band. I have gained 20 pounds over the last year. I am only 35 and have so many health issues already, although at this juncture, none are life threatening. I had a total hysterectomy-bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy at age 31 and cholecystectomy earlier this year (glad I don't have to worry about that bugger). I have the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, both of which run in my family, and find it hard to get out of bed some mornings let alone exercise. I have a family history of diabetes and heart disease.
I had my first consult on November 8th, and things have really flown from there! I'm self-paying as my insurance won't cover it, but I'm totally okay with that. We don't really have the $$$ to spare, but I figure I've spent a whole lot more on other weight loss remedies!!! So by the end of my appointment, we had set a date, met with the dietician that Friday, and will be starting my liquid diet on the 27th. I'm set for surgery 12/4/2006.
I'm very excited, a little nervous, about my surgery. This board has been so helpful to me. I still haven't taken a before picture but will post one the day before I start my liquid diet. I've kind of been eating all the things I don't normally eat because I'm "dieting" and I'm up a few pounds from my consult, so I'm ready to begin!!!
Weighed in today at 218 pounds. I'm not looking for a miracle or a cure all but a tool to help me gain control of my life and start living life to its fullest. I have a supportive family ~ loving husband of 10 years and 3 daughters ages 9, 8, and 4. I want to run around with them, swim with them, and keep up with them! They are my inspiration! God is my strength!
Shari
