Jealbaroma

My name is Jennifer. I'm 39 years old and live in Miami, FL. At the age of 3 I was diagnosed with Asthma. At that time Doctors couldn't pinpoint my triggers so I was told not to exercise and to stay inside. By the age of 4 I was overweight, I've been overweight since.

My mother struggled with her body image and used food as a coping mechanism. I too learned her habits and have struggled with a food addiction my entire life. My mother was diagnosed with type II adult onset diabetes when she was 35.

Three years ago at my highest weight (5'8" and 268 pounds) I decided I had enough. Over the next year I lost over 60 pounds on a low carb diet. I felt AWESOME! I continued to do low carb however the weight loss stopped, I hit a huge plateau that has now lasted over one year. While I haven't regained weight, I haven't lost anymore either.

My mother never took care of herself after being diagnosed with diabetes. Neither through diet, exercise or medication. Her health started declining rapidly about a year ago. I started learning through other family members of her serious condition. She never told me because she didn't want me to worry. This was after my weight loss so I tried to help her by preparing healthy meals, encouraged exercise and stressed the importance of keeping her blood sugar low. She never followed through.

Her first trip to the hospital was in November, 2013. As a result of uncontrolled diabetes she now had congestive heart failure, end of life renal failure and edema. Her health declined fast. My beautiful mother died on May 1, 2014 after her organs shut down one by one. I have no siblings, my family is small. I watched her die, alone. She was 61 years old. She was truly an angel that walks among us. I miss her terribly.

I have now decided to get gastric sleeve surgery. My surgery is scheduled for June 9, 2014! I'm beyond excited! While my BMI is currently 31.9 I've told my surgeon about my initial weight loss and my mother's unfortunate heath. My insurance doesn't cover the surgery as I don't have any weight related health issues so I'm paying out of pocket.

This is my story. I look forward to meeting others and sharing stories. I understand this is a tool however it's a tool I do not take lightly. I consider it a blessing. With my mothers spirit and the help of dear friends, I'm ready for a life changing experience.