Toni C.
I am 57 years old and I have been overweight for 36 years. I gained 40 lbs with my first child and never lost it. I was pregnant 4 times in the first 5 years of marriage (1 ended in miscarriage) and I gained more with each baby. I never lost the weight and each year I gained more. Like everyone else, I tried every diet that I heard about, only to yo yo my way to over 200 lbs. I am 5'2" tall and my BMI is 40. I also learned to eat fast, to clean my kids' plates, to grab and go and eat in the car and to use food as my drug of choice for any and all circumstances. We lost our middle child in a car accident in 2000, (he was 26), and food became so important to me that I even wanted to go to culinary school so I could focus on it all day long. But I am too unhealthy to be able to do that. I got so sick of myself and my situation and knew that I had to do something. We have been blessed with 5 precious grandchildren in the last 6 years and I am able to spend a lot of time with them. But as they get older, they get more active!! and I want to keep up with them. So I decided to have the lap band. One week before surgery I got a really bad sinus infection and had to postpone the procedure. It was during that time I learned about the VSG and began researching and reading on this board. I knew this was the answer for me. I had the surgery on 2-27-07 and have not looked back. I love what is happening to my body and my thought process where food is concerned. I don't want to cook at all!! In fact, the easier the meal is, the better I like it. My surgery was uneventful and my recovery has been smooth and relatively easy. I love my new tummy and I know that this is a gift of a second chance from God. He knows the desires of my heart and how much I want to be here for my grandbabies. I am so thankful and grateful for this surgery and for everyone on this board for all of your help, answers, support and cheers. God bless all of you.
