connorbmommy

When I began my journey to the new me, I began by attending the seminar here at Norwalk Hospital. I remember the day like it was yesterday. It was January 6, 2009; it was a very cold evening with threats of snow. A little snow wasn’t going to stop me as I finally had hit my breaking point. I was turning 39 that January and I weighed 365 pounds. I needed help. I was married and had a two year old who I couldn’t keep up with. I had one final resolution and that would be to see if I was a candidate for weight loss surgery. Please understand that battling obesity my whole life felt like a chore. I was tired of being that "fat girl" and yet always being told “if you lost a few pounds you would feel better”. Something had to change. I felt trapped by food and was addicted to all the negative aspects that were associated with it. I was always searching to fill voids of emptiness within myself by filling my mouth. Stress wasn't my best friend but Ice Cream and fast food were. I searched for answers in various forms of diet and regulation, alternative processes and nothing seemed to work. Then I found my answer at a seminar that changed my life.
Gastric bypass was a tool that I was hoping I wouldn't fail at and wouldn’t fail me. In all reality it helped change every aspect of my life. It’s not easy, it requires strength that we all have but are afraid to reach for, it requires courage that has always been there but smothered by our own fears and it requires love from those who share our lives. Most importantly we all need love for ourselves. This is a personal journey for growth, change and a healthier lifestyle and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
The personal journey for me was staying focus with each and every task my surgeon recommended for me. They gave me every doctor and phone number to make sure no stone was remained unturned. Due to my insurance at the time I had to wait 6 months. While seeing my nutritionist for those months I had plenty of time to get everything completed. I suffered from high blood pressure, sleep apnea, breathing issues and most of all- no energy. This was so important not only for me but also for my son because I wanted to make sure I was alive to see him grow up.
The change was something I would have never expected for myself. After surgery the weight was just coming off. I was so motivated to achieve my goals. I couldn’t keep up with my size and clothing. It didn’t matter, I was losing the weight and my family was shocked, my friends wanted to join my team for a healthier lifestyle.
My life today is so different than when I began. I can run with my son who is now 8 and play sports with him. My Saturday and Sundays are filled with karate, cub scouts and someone’s birthday party or play date. I don’t sit on the sidelines; I am out there cheering and volunteering my time.
Recently, I became a catchiest teacher I wanted to give back with in my own community. For the first time in years I can shop in regular stores and feel good about myself. Going out with friends for those “girl nights outs” are fun and now I am in the front in photos not hiding in the back behind everyone.
As of November 27, 2013 I have lost a total of 208 pounds. My surgeon is Dr. Neil Floch and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Dr. Floch and his staff take you step by step all the way through. When you have this surgery you become his patient for LIFE. From the moment you walk into the office you become one of the family and you certainly want that. I want you to know if one is unavailable one of the other doctors will take good care of you.
These doctors all have the best bedside manners. They are always on top of each of their patients and you certainly want that in your surgeon. All 3 of the surgeons are best in the field. I wouldn’t be who I am today without them.
I just want to leave you with this. It has been 4 years since having the surgery and I still get the support from support groups and friends who I have met along this journey. Talking at seminars to potential new patients is so awarding in itself and my family and friends still cheer me on no matter if I am having a bad day or good. You have to be ready to make the change – but when you are don’t be afraid, go for it! I so look forward to some day meeting you if you chose this journey at one of the seminars.