Ris26

For the past 10 years of my life i have struggled with my weight, trying every diet and exercise plan under the sun, I reached my largest at 25yrs old and the health issues just kept piling on. Shortly after turning 26 i began considering the surgical option, talking to family friends and doing research. At first i was ashamed to mention the idea to my family and friends in fear of everyone thinking i was just lazy and wanted "the easy way out". Finally after months of research i broke the news to my family and their response was nothing that i ever imagined it would be! They all agreed that it was a good idea that with battling hormonal problems, and working 70 hours a week, i had no time for an intense workout and strict diet and even then i would still not see the results that most would due o the hormones. I began saving money and looking into the insurance coverage, only to find that my insurance does not cover the procedure. I got discouraged and in turned wrapped up in my job to avoid reality that i was unable to afford the surgery if i even decided that i wanted it. It was Easter weekend (2012) that i finally made my mind up that I was having this surgery! This particular weekend i had gone out of state to visit a friend. One evening we took her 2 daughters to the circus, where they wanted to ride the elephant. So I pay for the ride and climb up with them, listen to them giggle and watch them wave to their mommy who didn't want to ride. After the ride we returned to our seats to watch the second half of the show. Shortly after the show begins a circus attendant walks up and hands us a picture that comes with the elephant rides. It was at this point i was mortified...I wanted to cry! This photo, something i should cherish the memory with the girls, i wanted to tear up and never see again. I was so embarrassed that on top of a 1,500 Lbs. Elephant i looked so large. Upon arriving home i sat down and listed out all of the weight loss attempts that i had tried and failed with. It seems that i had tried everything. I had given up on weight lose and strictly concentrated on my job for the past 4 years, and now that i have become successful (the only female supervisor in our oilfield production equipment plant) it is time to start my life long weight lose journey.  I had finally made up my mind that I was going to take the next step towards surgery, i was making the commitment.  so  i sat down with my family and they all agreed that it was a good choice, and they backed me 100%!  I by no means could afford the cash pay, and my insurance did not cover it.    It was just a few days later that my dad told me that he wanted to help me to have this procedure, we decided that a medical loan(Care Credit)  was our best option, i was ecstatic! I my first appointment was May 16th, I was a little weary about the time i will have to have off of work and the pain post-op, but I am so blessed to have such and amazing, supportive family and my Guys at the plant to stand behind me every step of the way!


Surgery was set for June 27th 2012!  (will update details later)
 
Now nearly 5 years post op I have lost a total of 141 pounds!!!  I did battle slightly with some regain but after getting my stress level, hormones and eating back on track I am only 4 pounds away from what my lowest was, and hope to drop another 5 as well.
 
Feel free to ask me anything...I am an open book!!!