MelindaH

I was thin and talller when I married twenty six years ago this month.  I gained about tweny pounds during my first year of marriage but actually looked much healthier.  I delivered two children and returned to my pre pregancy weight within six weeks each time.  When I was around 35, I began to have arthritic symptoms and was diagnosed with RA and also with a connective tissue disease, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hypermobility).  My joints were beginning to wear out at a much younger age than most people my age.  I was started on anti-inflamatory drugs and prednisone.  Well, you can probably guess the outcome of the prednisone therapy.  I was finally taken off of it three years ago after a psychotic reaction although I am able to tolerate it in ESI injections in my low back.  I was up to 240 and lost thirty pounds shortly after prednisone was discontinued.  But I have been at a plateau for at least two and a hafl years.  I have done WW twice and have barely lost ten pounds and they come back.  I have begun to incorporate more exercise into my routine but I am limited by what I can do as I have had both knees replaced.  I drink a lot of water so that is not an issue and have begun the first phase of nutritional counseling.  My co-morbities include hypertension, hyperlipidemia, pre diabetes, arthritis, DDD and sleep apnea.  I use a CPAP.   My surgeon and I feel that the lap band is the best choice for me at this time.  Oh, I forgot to mention that obesity runs rampant on my mother's side.  I do take ownership for much of my obesity.  I have caught myself using it as a comfort  for stress.  I am on disability and a homemaker at the present time.  I have a strong support network in both family and friends.  I enjoy reading, beading counted crossstitch and am learning to knit.  I look forward to interacting and learning from all of you.