AngKam
My name is Angela... I'm originally from a town just outside Chicago.
I've been overweight for the majority of my life. I was actually very small as a child, but as time went on, I got bigger. In my early 20s I started having severe anxiety attacks and went on Paxil for them. I ended up gaining 80 lbs! After coming off the meds, I didn't gain or lose until I became pregnant with my daughter in 2006. I gained 60 lbs during my pregnancy, but lost all but 10 lbs afterwards.
I started looking into RNY many years ago.. but knew that there was no way I'd ever be able to afford it. In 2004 I got a job with a local bank and noticed they covered the surgery 100%. I began to think seriously about it and made an appt to see Dr. B in April 2006. In March just a few weeks before my appt, I found out I was pregnant during my physical. What a blessing and a surprise!! It took us 7 years to get pregnant and she was well worth the wait!
I started the process again shortly after having my daughter. A few months in I started having some mild random symptoms - anxiety, sweating, insomnia, palpitations, etc.. I went to my doctor and was diagnosed with Graves Disease shortly after testing. Because of this, my surgery was postponed from August 2007 to March 2008. I honestly am glad it was postponed - it gave me the time to accept my decision completely. I went into surgery very calm and ready.
Now I'm a few months out from surgery and I've learned so much! I hope that I can help others here with my story, my blogs and my friendship.
