Debbie C.

I have been heavy all of my life with only a couple of years of "normal" weight. You name it I have been on it. I have been laughed at, yelled at, dumped on and insulted for so long it seem more normal than compliments. After having to have major back surgery and a partial knee replacement, I decided enough was enough.
With my husband's blessing, I started to research into the lap band and look for a program to work with. Cedar Sinai in Los Angeles has one of the best programs and is very, very supportive and helpful prior to deciding on surgery. I worked with them for a couple of months and then had lap band surgery in Oct. of 2010.
Initially, I lost 50 lbs. and was doing great then my mother got very sick and I had to take care of her and everything went haywire. I lost focus, mom was more work than I had imagined and I had little support from my sibs due to distance and ability to provide for mom. After 2 1/2 years, we lost my mom, then 2 months later, I lost my little dog who had been my therapy helper. I had gained almost 40 lbs back and was trying to refocus. I lost 15 lbs. and that is where I am.
I kept my appointments with my team through all of this and was never able to go beyond 1 fill. I would get heartburn, nausea, vomiting, regurge, and was unable to sleep flat. I could not even use my CPAP as it made the symptoms worse.
On Jan. 10, I had to have an urgent emptying of the band completely and on Feb. 20 we will be deciding on the next move. I am being encouraged to research the sleeve procedure at this time and this is how I found Bariatric Pal.
I am very depressed and on medications and also discouraged but I am not going to let this beat me. I would appreciate any and all support if that is possible. This is my time and it is not going to be easy but it is doable. Sorry this is so long. I need to empty myself for a while. Thanks. Debbie
P.S. I do have a new furbaby by name of Maxie. Keeps me on my toes as he needs to walk twice a day.