jenseyedea
Well my story...I have been overweight off and on all throughout life. Mostly on, not off. There were times in my life that I thought I was really going to pull through, and then I failed. I have lost 90 pounds on my own twice now, just to gain it back. That is when I started looking into WLS. When I was 20 I injured my back while working as an STNA. I found out that I ruptured a disc in my back, and that I had degenerative disc disease as well as osteoporosis. I could not believe it. I started in on a pain management plan that included mega doses of steroids and pain killer. I gained the 90 pounds back and then some. In the past 5 years, I would say that as far as my back goes, my pain is limited. But I am also not using it....I am going to college full time and being a mom. That keeps me pretty busy anyways.
Well a year ago I started having pain in my hands and I found out that I have RA. So they recommend I loose weight. They said the extra weight is only doing me harm. Well, news flash! I am aware of this. So that was really when I looked more into the WLS. I have considered it for almost 8 years now. I knew just about evrything I could know about the surgery itself, it is the post op part I have been learning about now.
I can honestly say that I don't find that I sit around the house all day eating crap. I actually think I am a pretty healthy eater. I just think my metabolism is super slow and I am not feeding my body when I need to. I know now I should have been eating breakfast, not skipping meals, higher protein, lower fat. All of this has taken some getting use to. So I have always wondered, how in the world did I get this way. I opened my mouth. I felt like there were things in my life that werent in my control. But eating was the one thing I could control. When I think about it now, it all seems pretty obvious...but it had to take to this point to see that.
I was adopted at 3 months old. I grew up knowing this, and never ever felt like I fit in. When I got older, I was molested off and on for two years by a neighbor. That is when the weight problem started. Even as a kid I coped through food. Well as time went on I just kept doing it. When I got into high school, more pressure was on me...I started taking diet pills. I became obssessed. I think at one point I was taking like 30 different ones. Well my mom found them and threw them away. So I started throwing up. I eventually was hospitalized for a suicide attempt. I just could not cope. I never told anyone about the molestation until I was 23. I know so much of this has to do with my weight. It is ironic how much easier it is to hide when you're fat.
I don't really know why I shared all that. Other than, I do want to help people. I know I am not the only one. If by sharing my story with someone else helps. Than it is all worth it.
So where am I today?
I am a single mother of 2 wonderful, and challenging kids. I have a daughter, MaKayah and a son, Kayden. They keep me busy and they give me reason to be a better person. I want to be an example. I have an associates degree in Human Services and am working on my BA in Psychology and Criminal Justice.I am also a finalizing my chemical dependency license. I have two semesters left of college, and then I plan to go on for my masters. I am pretty involved in my community. I am a member of a support group for parent of children with Aspergers. I also just began a Mom's support group with a good friend of mine. I love swimming and weight training. I am active in church activities, and fundraising. I homeschool my daughter. My son is very active in karate, so you will find me with him training 4 days a week. I have a "baby" Oscar who always brightens my day. He is my weiner dog. I gotta love him!! :)
My surgery date is Feb 25th 2008 at the Cleveland Clinic.
Any questions, just ask.
Many Blessings...
Jennifer
