ShootersGal24
I have always been a "thick" girl, going way back to being a teen. I was not skinny - but was "healthy" looking. After getting married and having 3 children in less than 5 years, I found myself quite heavy. I was able to take some of the weight off and maintained a weight of about 175 lbs., which I thought looked pretty darn good. Well, after 11 years of marriage, I found myself a Single mom to 3 wonderful teenage daughters! I do not get any help from their father, and it is quite sad, he is missing out on the best thing in life. I do, however, have a wonderful man in my life and he simply adores my girls. We have been together for 8 years. During this time, my weight has slowly and steadily gotten out of control. In 2006, I quit smoking and gained some weight. By 2008, I had gained about 80 pounds, onto my already heavy frame of 175 lbs. (I stand 5 ft 1 in) and landed myself in the hospital. When I was admitted, my blood pressure was 210/164 and I am very lucky I did not have a Stroke. After many tests, it was determined I did not have a heart attack, but certainly needed medication to keep my blood pressure under control. To add to my problems, I was also told to do a sleep study and it was determined that I had a severe sleep apnea - more than likely caused by being so obese. So, I was sent home with pills and a C-pap machine and told to try to lose some weight. To my ears, that was blah, blah blah and blah and all I did was continue to gain weight. Sure, I would lose and gain, lose and gain. I even joined WW but to no avail. All I would do is lose weight - think to myself, well hey, that deserves a reward and then put the weight I just lost, right back on and add a few pounds for good measure. After reaching 286 lbs. I finally decided I wanted to live. I want my life back! I cannot even walk from my car to my desk without being in pain and out of breath and that is not how I want to be. After doing my research, and knowing several close relatives and friends having the procedure, I decided this was the best tool I could add to my belt and started my journey, so in September of 2009, I started my process. I am down to 272 pounds and hope to be able to report going down ...... down......down from here on out. I KNOW I will need some support and this is why I am here, I cannot make this journey without having a few friends to help pick me up.
So, here we go.......
About Me
Before & After
rollover to see after photo
