I am an 18 year old student at a University here in sunny Florida. I have struggled with weight my whole life, I remember dieting as young as 9 or 10 years old, and I remember hating it, and continued to hate it for the next 7 to 8 years. My mom, who works at a hospital came home with a flyer about a bariatric surgeon and asked if I was willing to consider, reassuring me that she loved me no matter how heavy I was, as mothers do. I agreed to meet with the Doc and immediately felt as though I was headed in the right direction with an awesome surgical team!
I embarked on my LONG journey, completely oblivious to how long it really would be, in May of 2010 looking to have the Lap Band surgery in December of that year. The surgery went well and I was in Band-bliss for about 9 months until I noticed there was something very wrong. I kept it to my self until around November when I brought the problems up to my Doc and he took a closer look. turns out that the band had stopped working and the pouch on top had dilated and I was out of luck. I went through about a month of depression and guilt, telling myself that I did something wrong, against all arguments my Doc made. I had the Band removed the following May of 2012.
The newest chapter of my journey started last December with the sleeve surgery, and I am only expecting smooth sailing. I am so unbelievably grateful to have such an amazing family that has offered so much support through all of this, and to have such an amazing medical team to work with, and who have been there for support at every turn!
Thanks for reading!!!