Jeannette Anndaisia

I first got WLS in May of 2009. I got a Lapband. I was 365 lbs. before surgery. I lost down to 317 lbs. but I stopped going to get band fills. I started eating the same way I was prior to surgery and quickly found that I could consume large amounts of food if I just waited for it to pass through the small portion of my stomach. Five years later I had to face reality that back up to 355 lbs. the weight was taking a serious toll on my health. I started taking blood pressure medication in March and my knees hurt so bad that most of the time I could hardly walk and standing for 10-15 minutes would cause them to lock up. Shopping had become very unpleasant and my social life almost nonexistent. Even worse, I had to quit the praise team at church because I could not tolerate standing on stage or even rehearsals. I love to sing and quitting saddened me. I had to face the fact that obesity was really infringing on my quality of life. It got to the point I had to leave my job because I physically could not do the work. As I nurse, you are on your feet most of the day depending on where you work. And I could not stand for more than 15 minutes.

For a few months my aunt and cousin were after me to get a Gastric Sleeve but I had my doubts about doing another WLS. I finally made the decision but was thinking of getting the bypass. When it came time for my final consult, the doctor said no. My iron was too low and the bypass would only make my anemia worse. So, we opted for the sleeve and scheduled my surgery for June 30. I was afraid that I would not lose enough weight with the sleeve. But so far it has been good. Unlike before when I had the band, I am following the rules. I'm doing what the doctor and the dietician instruct and learning a new way to relate to food. I am gaining more control over my behavior daily and it feels great! I am happy the weight is coming off and I am looking forward to the finish line.