Natava

At 125 lbs, I began my adventure into motherhood with a plus sign on a little stick. Never being overweight, I wasn't worried about too much weight gain. I enjoyed ice cream a lot during my pregnancy. After my son was born, I weighed 170 lbs. I quickly lost that weight and settled at 140 lbs. After a few years, my weight started creeping up and I found myself at 153 lbs by the time my second pregnancy began. After my daughter was born, I settled back to the 153 lbs. My daughter is now entering Kindergarten and I have found myself at 183 lbs. With no pregnancy to blame for this weight gain, I had to admit that this was due to lack of exercise and over-eating.

Every check-up at the doctor's office was depressing. My weight caused my cholesterol to go up, created my sleep apnea, and induced my extreme fatigue (hypersomnia). Struggling with weight loss for 11 years, I began to worry that I wouldn't have another 11 years to keep trying. I definitely was going in the wrong direction. I felt defeated and very much like a failure. For someone that was able to quit smoking after 14 years cold turkey should have been able to find the self discipline to lose the weight, right???? Apparently easier said than done for me. For some reason, this was an area that I needed more help with and I didn't want to waste anymore time punishing my body with excessive weight.

Once I came to the realization that wls was my best chance at living a healthier life, I started to research surgery options. I tossed the idea around in my head for a few more years. I needed to make sure this was the right choice for me. My latest annual check-up was in March of 2012. My doctor informed me that if my cholesterol did not go down within six months, I would have to control it with medication. My cholesterol was continuously climbing even with dietary changes for years. Things did not look promising for me. I'm already on three different medications and I'm not even 40 yet. At this rate, I would soon be suffering from diabetes like my dad. I couldn't wait any longer. I started my process on April 26th of 2012. I am scheduled for surgery for October 9, 2012 and I am extremely scared and nervous. In my brain, I know this is the best choice but in my stomach I am freaked out. I am worried about complications and my ability to follow the diet necessary for a healthy life after surgery. I have to remind myself that I'm not living a healthy life now and I have more to gain than lose. Wish me luck!!