transforming jlaroux

I have been overweight since the day I was born.  I was born 3 weeks early at 9 pounds 8oz.  I was stuffed into an incubator!  Thus began a lifetime of diets.  When I was a child, my mom took me to the childrens hospital weight loss group. I think I was 10. I've been on diet after diet after diet.  I've lost, gained, lost, and gained more until my ultimate high of 310 pounds.  10 years ago I looked into RNY surgery, but my insurance required 6 months of doctor monitored weight loss. I gave up. Since that time, I have maintained between 300-310, had a breast reduction, done Jenny Craig and low calorie liquid diets. 

 

About 3 years ago a friend of mine had band surgery done, and I watched her lose 179 pounds in 2 years.  That was it.  I made my decision.  I called my clinic, went to the necessary information session, and made my appointment with the surgeon. 

 

At my appointment, I was told I was a better candidate for the RNY, not band.  It was not recommended for me.  He felt I would only lose 40-50 pounds and stall.  I left there all messed up in the head.  I didn't know what to do.  SO I scheduled all my next appointments knowing that I didn't have to make a decision until they submitted my insurance.  So I met with the nutritionist, the psychologist, the cardiologist, attended my support group meeting, all without really knowing what I was going to do.  I researched online, I talked to people, you name it I was doing it.  I went for my endoscopy and told the doc I was doing the band.  He said he wished I would reconsider. I told him NO, I was going to be successful.  Ultimately, he chose to believe me.  I was approved, and had my surgery. 

 

I went for a fill in October and my doctor told me he was wrong about me.  He gave me a hug and told me he was proud of me! That was one of the best days of this adventure.  I was on cloud 9!  I continue to lose, and watch my body for signs that I need a fill.  I love feeling full, and not feeling like I am going to overeat. I love the flexibiltiy of my band.  I love life!