lenaemerson
Oh, where to begin?! 
I've been overweight most all of my life and turning 30 didn't help much! I have a huge love for cooking and have always been the one who could spend all day in the kitchen. I've been known for always making too much food because I basically cook like I had an army to feed instead of just the five of us. I'm convinced that how and what I cook also drives how my family eats and their health. 
Not a whole bunch of people know this but I had a Vertical Banded Gastroplasty in 2002 however it was done in haste and without alot of research or a good program. I basically had the surgery and never saw my surgeon again! My lack of knowledge lead to me gaining most all of my weight and band erosion; which is not good. Ultimately, it means that no matter what I'd have to have the band removed before it completely goes through my stomach. I'm quite ashamed at the fact that I'm having revision surgery but I've seen myself gain all but 20 lbs back - what a mess!!
I'm going in for revision surgery with Dr. Garth Davis on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 and am expecting nothing but success! I know alot more now and I'm glad to be connected with one of the best surgical team and program that I could get my hands on. Doctors Robert and Garth Davis have their own show on TLC called Big Medicine. It's amazing to see where people come from and what drives their overeating. 
I've learned that I'm a highly emotional eater. I find my comfort in food; especially starchy and salty foods. Every now and then I'll grab a candy bar but it's usually at the check out line of the grocery store. I was also very addicted to sodas; which I know I'll never have again. It's all worth it though; for my health! I wish I knew then what I know now and I would have done things so differently.
My new life and journey has begun and will be in full swing post op on Tuesday. I've vowed to stay enthusiastic in the kitchen but on the healthier side. I think it will help my entire family in the long run while helping myself with achieving better health and good food and excercise habits. It doesn't hurt to want to be slim and sexy (though my husband loves me the way I am) but I'm doing this for ME and MY health and rest is just "icing on the cake".
It's also great to be a part of a group with so much encouragement and so many resources. OH rocks!!!
