Kara W.
Obesity has always been a part of my life. My mom has been big as long as I can remember, so it was always "normal". Growing up I was never officially overweight but I was the only girl in my 6th grade class that didn't weigh 90 lbs and had boobs and hips and I was actually picked on for it. Through middle school and highschool, I wasn't huge and I was always active, but I felt uncomfortable because I wasn't a size 4-6 like everyone else. At 16 my father passed away and although I didn't realize it until my mom mentioned it to me recently, between that and the normal body changes you go through that age, I really started putting on the weight.
But my weight never bothered me. As I got older, Mom would always try to get me to go on these diets with her and lots of times I would gripe and tell her I was happy with who I was (and I was actually being honest!) but most of the time, just to appease her I would try it out. I've tried everything from old school Atkins (not one card for 8 months!), to cabbage soup, to Weight Watchers, to what my friends have kindly named "firewater" (the maple syrup, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and water drink... yuck!
), to even becoming Vegan. I have tried every exercise from Windsor pilates to spinning classes. I do still use my gym membership and walk as much as possible. Nothing has worked. Nothing has stuck. Pretty much everything has come back to bite me in the butt a little worse. I'd lose the weight for a little while, but always after a few months (if I made it that long) the weight loss would stop and I'd put it all back on, plus more.
Still, I love me some me. (I had some GREAT self-esteem classes in 2nd grade. I can't not love me. 
Thanks room-moms! )
In the last year or so I've started to get scared. I'm 26 years old. My friends are all getting married and starting families. It's not that I want to rush that, I have a great man in my life whom I love very much and it will happen in time... I'm just scared I won't be able to have children and be able to raise a family when the time comes. I was diagnosed with PCOS years ago and although it didn't bother me then, (it was great! Like built in birth control!) the more I read about it the more scared I am that what my Dr. said was true, I won't be able to get pregnant without a lot of intervention, if at all. On top of that, with the PCOS I'm insulin resistant and it's a precursor for diabetes and that is terrifying to me. Also, more and more I notice that I have a hard time sleeping... and an even worse time catching my breath after a short sprint. I'm young. It shouldn't be like that!
So, I've started looking into weight loss surgery. I started a new job last year and have been blessed with the most excellent medical benefits ever! I have considered the surgery in the past but knew I would never be able to afford the co-insurance, but my plan now covers everything.
Now the journey to a new healthy life begins. I've found a PCP to get me started on the approval process and I've already done the research and found the surgeon that I want. Just gotta get through the 6 mo. diet and all my tests and try not to lose my mind in the process... Wish me luck! 
Start of 6-month Diet 01/20/09
Seminar 01/21/09
1st Surgery Consult/Nutrition Consult 02/23/09
Sleep Study 03/12/09
Upper GI 03/16/09
Psych Eval 05/14/09
Submit to Insurance 06/02/09
Approval 06/03/09
Surgery Day 7/9/09
A Pittsburgh Girl knows just as much about football as her guy friends, in some cases, even more. She drinks beer because it tastes good but knows when to be classy and drink something more sophisticaed. She owns a Steeler jersey not just because it's cute but because she supports her team and understands the game.
She loves Kennywood and isn't afraid to order cheese fries from the Potato Patch because, let's face it...Pittsburgh Girls wear winter coats and scarves a lot more than bikinis and flip flops.
A Pittsburgh Girl loves St. Patrick's Day, even if she's not Irish because green beer is good for the soul.
Pittsburgh Girls don't have a funny accent. They just speak a different language.
The word yinz is dear to her heart, even if she would never say it herself.
A Pittsburgh Girl bleeds black and gold and knows how to have a great time.
She's stylish and sweet. She has a great education and loves her friends and family.
A Pittsburgh Girl goes to church on Sunday hung over,only to be let out by the priest early because the Steelers kick off at one.
A Pittsburgh Girl might not live by the beach,but the Three Rivers are just as good!
She has seen all four seasons and has a reason to love and hate each of them.
She's the type of Girl you can call late at night and spill your heart out to.
She's the type you can take home to Mom and Dad without worrying they won't like her,
Because everyone loves a Pittsburgh girl.
If you need a girl to take to the game,she'll be there.
If you need a friend to help you out, she's there.
If you need a drinking buddy, she'll be there with her IC Light in hand.
So let your Pittsburgh Girl know you love her!
You can take the Girl out of Pittsburgh, but you can never take the Pittsburgh out of the Girl!
