Aagemini

[font=georgia][color=rgb(51,51,51)][size=3][background=rgb(250,250,250)]I've always been overweight, as far as I can remember. It was "cute" when I was a chubby toddler and never shed any of the extra pounds. I grew up in an "overweight" family. I was raised by typical Black Country fed, homegrown, soul food grandparents. My mom was the type of woman who loved being a voluptuous woman and I inherited that gene. [/background][/size][/color][/font]

[font=georgia][color=rgb(51,51,51)][size=3][background=rgb(250,250,250)]I loved being voluptuous, plus sized, etc. it wasn't until I realized the older I got the bigger I got. I got all the way up to 390 lbs and with health problems, single parenting, losing close family members and juggling too much that I started having severe health problems, namely Congestive Heart failure, Pulmonary Hypertension which caused me to go into respiratory distress. After being in a medically induced coma for 21 days I emerged plagued with Tracheal stenosis and almost died three times before they could diagnose it. Having to get a tracheostomy in 2011 and being told by numerous doctors that I would have the trach for the rest of my life I settled in to trying to build my life again. [/background][/size][/color][/font]

[font=georgia][color=rgb(51,51,51)][size=3][background=rgb(250,250,250)]One of the Doctors that told me that I would always have my trach removed it December of 2012. My trachea healed. I discovered that Medicare paid for gastric surgery and in May 1, 2013 I had my first consultation. Initially in 2009 I planned to get the Lap Band (I'm glad that things didn't work out for me to get it) I researched the gastric sleeve and found people that had the surgery. After months of planning I had my surgery October 31, 2013.[/background][/size][/color][/font]

[font=georgia][color=rgb(51,51,51)][size=3][background=rgb(250,250,250)]The biggest hurdle I've had to overcome is that I don't recognize myself. I pass mirrors or see my reflection and I am in awe. When I go shopping I gravitate towards a size 24 and get frustrated when I can't fit it...meaning too big. I shopped the other day at Old Navy and could actually fit a size 2X. I haven't worn a 2x in 20 years!!![/background][/size][/color][/font]

[font=georgia][color=rgb(51,51,51)][size=3][background=rgb(250,250,250)]Lastly, I don't work out. I barely walk because the skin is SO loose that I lose my balance because so much of me jiggles. Ok so now i'm healthier but i'm not in love with myself anymore. My doctor says that I will not need to have skin removal surgery...but I don't beleive it!! I have conflicting information from various doctors....but the skin just hangs and its depressing![/background][/size][/color][/font]