So I thought I would introduce myself, since I have been lurker. I joined yesterday, in hopes of learning more about WLS. I am a VERY new newbie. I have thought about WLS before, actually a lot, but I have yet to take any steps mostly out of finical reasons. However a door *MAY* open that could help me greatly (I hope and pray)

So a little bit about me. My name is Katie and I'm 31 years old, live in Ohio. I have been overweight almost my entire life. Which seems to shock everyone because I only weighed 14lbs when I was 2 years old! I have not always been big, and probably most people thought I would be a little bit of nothing when I got older, boy did I surprise them! As a kid I was in gymnastics and took it very seriously! However, I ended up breaking my arm when I was in about the third grade which of course made gymnastics impossible to do, and just my luck the day after I got my cast taken off my arm I ended up breaking my leg! So I was pretty much in casts for a good 5 months! That's when my weight gain really started (and not just weight gain, but other major changes that happen to girls..I really developed quickly and young). It did not help that my mom worked at a bakery and started to bring home the left over goodies at the end of the day. So my lack of movement, and eating of junk food didn't help! By the time I was in the 6th grade I weighed 200lbs, and was much bigger than those my age. By the time I was in high school I weighed around 250lbs and pretty much kept that weight until I was around 23, when I bloomed well over 300lbs. I had major changes during that time. I went from living in the city where I walked every where to living in the country where I never walk, and don't get out and move like before. I am also an emotional eater (which I know is a problem) mostly when I'm bored!

So here I am, 31 years old, overweight, and needing help! I feel so limited by my weight, I am limited by weight. I probably weigh over 400lbs now (I'm guessing here). I'm in a lot of pain a lot, mostly my lower back. I can't walk without being in pain, or getting out of breath, and I can't stand for more than 3 mins without being in pain. My ankles are starting to become weak, and I'm scared for my life. It's hard to believe that the girl who use to walk miles at a time, can barely walk to her car from the house, and has to have a shopping cart to lean over while shopping so it takes the weight off my lower back, and opens up my lungs so I can breath. I am going to school for nursing, but I know unless I loose weight I will never be able to be a nurse because physically I can't!

So there is my story, and my introduction! I've enjoyed this site so far, and have learned some. I'm praying that I can get some help, so I can start this journey to hopefully better my life, and give me a chance at life!