Shell1234
My name is Michelle Bakewell, I'm 33 years old and I weight 288lbs & my height is 5'8". I live in Frisco, TX (outside of Dallas) and I have been married for 15 years (20years together). I started gaining weight when I moved out at age 16 to live with Joey, my boyfriend at the time/husband now, as I didn't know how to cook. We ordered pizza, fast foods, or anything fried. I never had an issue with weight before as I was always so active with sports, I even had trophies for outstanding fitness. I guess the stress of going to school, working & acting as a house wife started my journey of gaining weight. I graduated HS(1991) a semester early and got married that June at 18. I had gained 30-40 lbs in just two years. By age 20, I was already at the 200 mark but my husband and I started exercising for 2hrs/3dys a wk. By 21, I had lost weight and was weighing 160. We started having some issues and our marriage was on a rocky path. Joey started working alot of hours and I became lonely & depressed. I was also sexually abused when I was younger and I didn't realize just how much that had really effected me but it showed through my weight gain. Throughout the years, I've gain over 140lbs(290lbs)! I would have never thought I would weight that much - to be honest I don't really see myself that heavy. BUT when you start pulling out the pictures, going up in sizes in clothes, & you can't fit in the amusement park rides or movie seats...you start seeing it then. That is where I'm at today. I'm miserable & disappointed in myself & I'm ready to have my life back.
I have a co-worker that had the surgery in March and is doing great with wonderful results. She had really helped me to get started with this process as I really didn't think you could get approved with insurance...we both have Aetna Select & she had no problem with approval. On Monday, Oct 23rd, I will have my last visit with Dr. Barker office's before my documents are submitted to ins. Besides the weight, I have high blood pressure, sleep apnea & 4 slipped discs in my lower back. I hope and pray that insurance will approve, I will be so disappointed as in my mind I'm already having the surgery. My benefits at work are great..we get 6wks off paid for surgeries..babies..etc. & I've already informed my boss which he supports me 100%. Everything is starting to line out so I'm scared something will jenx it. I started seeing a couselor in Feb to help with my feelings regarding the younger years with going through divorces with both my parents(I've had 4 different step parents between them), to my sexual abuse with a neighbor, a rocky marriage (stronger now) & the death of my dad two years ago. I feel like I'm stronger & able to communicate how I feel instead of holding everything inside so I don't upset the other person. I'm hoping to have this surgery and with the help of my counselor, family and friends I will gain my confidence, self control & the ability to enjoy life and possible a kid as soon as I can try.
I look forward to sharing my story as well as reading others and hopeful communicate with new friends throughout this process. I have so much to learn to setting up this web page..so any help would be greatly appreaciated as I don't have a clue what I'm doing. HA
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