Growing up being the "fat friend" was never easy. There was always something I couldn't do that all my friends could. I thought that as I got older that would change. After being diagnosed with PCOS and hypo-active thyroid I realized that my being overweight wasn't because I was just "lazy" like so many people want to label me. The hormonal challenges that come with PCOS make it difficult to lose weight and many doctors have encouraged me get weight-loss surgery. They said it was has even been shown that all symptoms of PCOS can disappear with weight-loss. For someone who has struggled with their weight all their life I wanted nothing more than to have weight-loss surgery. So I looked into it.I first sought out information on gastric bypass. After sitting through meetings and talking with people who have had the surgery, even taking care of a friend who had gastric bypass, I didn't feel that was the best avenue for me. And then I saw a commercial for the lap band and was intrigued. I requested information and was totally psyched about getting the surgery. Then to my dismay when checking with my insurance I found that they don't cover anything bariatric or weight-loss related. So I had no choice but to go back to the diet scene.

You hear people say over and over, "I've tried every diet there is." For me, I can honestly say that is true. From Weight Watchers to Slim Fast, Jenny Craig to Atkins and even the most obscure weight-loss antics via the Internet…I've tried them all. With some I had short term success. With others…not so much. Years went by, and on top of the PCOS and the weight challenges that brings, I now have three ruptured disks which has put on even more weight. This left me even more desperate to find a new diet I haven't tried that would get the weight off, not just quickly but for longer than a month. Enter a friend of mine who had lap band and told me about the contest.

I met Andrew and found out he had the surgery so I gave him the third degree about it and made him tell me all about his experience. I expressed to him how much I would love to have the surgery but unfortunately my insurance didn't cover it and I didn't have the money to pay out-of-pocket. A few weeks later Andrew sends me an e-mail saying that the DayOne Health clinic in Chicago was having a contest giving away a free lap band surgery and he sent me the link. Knowing it would be a long shot I submitted an essay saying why I think I would be a good candidate for the surgery. Months go by and forgetting all about the contest I receive an e-mail on my birthday from Gladys at DayOne informing me I am one of twelve finalists for the free lap band surgery. I was asked to come in and interview with the doctor and staff at DayOne and was told they would be making their decision at their annual holiday party on December 3rd.

My husband and I arrived to the holiday party and were anxious to hear the results. When that time came, I'm sitting there listening to Dr. Elli explain about how the contest worked and when the surgery was going to take place. When he said my name as the winner, every thought, feeling and emotion hit me all at once. I am now starting my weight-loss journey with DayOne. Even though I was ecstatic I found myself a little nervous because everything was happening so fast. In one day I found out that I won a free lap band surgery and that I was going to be having it three weeks later. Which brings me to present day, on the eve of starting my two week liquid diet.

I don't find myself having the anxiety that I've been warned other people experience. In a strange way I'm kinda looking forward to it. I've spent the last week having all my favorite meals. Kinda like a seven day farewell party. Good bye old…Hello new. I know the two week liquids only diet is going to be hard but I'm ready to face it head on and do what I have to do because the end result is so worth it. Granted my zealous attitude could change on day three of my liquid diet but as of right now I choose to stay positive.