As of today I weigh 125lb more than I did 22 years ago. On average, that's 5 lbs a year. Unfortunately for me, I gained about 75 of it my first year in college and I've been on the upward spiral ever since. I'm guessing I've gained and lost several hundred pounds in those 22 years...always seeming to have that highest weight number increase.

I think I've been denial about my weight. I never thought I'd be a WLS candidate...but here I am. Ready to reclaim life. I remember when I was healthy, active and confident. I miss that girl.

I hadn't really heard of the sleeve until I had a back injury. My MRI results read something to the effect..."due to the patients size". WTH? I was in denial. How could I not see I am 125 lbs over weight for all this time? I knew I was over weight...but really? 125lbs? How did it get to this?

Regardless of how, I'm taking the steps to get healthy again. I'm 2 months into a 6 month program to learn how to handle the surgery and be successful using the sleeve as a tool.

All of you have really given me insight to myself. Funny how strangers with similar stories can do that.