Raven Ashly Marie

Hello, I'm Ashly. I'm not really sure how to start my story without sounding awkward or having a ton of run on sentences. I have struggled with my weight loss since the age of 12. I constantly got picked on by either family members, people at school and even teachers. My self confidence pretty much got shot and I have had a low sense of self esteem since. In May of 2013 I became pregnant with my first child and gave birth in December to my gorgeous daughter Annabel Willow Rose Lee. My top pregnancy weight was around 265 (give or take a few pounds). I lost some of it but at a Doctors visit in August I noticed my weight on the scale. A whopping 287 pounds......I was shocked and started to cry. I have never been that heavy and never dreamed it was possible for me. I've always tried to work out, eat healthy but it's harder to do once you have a child that needs constant attention. I went to my boyfriend in tears...thinking I was no longer good enough for him because I was so heavy (luckily he shut me up pretty quick and told me he loved me no matter what I looked like). 
 
A few days after that Doctors appointment I began researching Gastric Bypass Surgery. My tattoo artist told me he was getting one done and I was intrigued. After researching for a good two days I called my Insurance and asked if they could help me find any Surgeons that were covered by my Insurance and close to me. The Insurance Agent found and told me to call Tufts Medical Center; The Weight and Wellness Clinic in Boston, Ma. I looked them up before I called and noticed they were about an hour drive from me (not to bad) and proceeded to call. The receptionist who answered my call was Tim Darling (yes Darling  :) ) and listened to my story. He was really nice and 100% understanding and very helpful. I explained how I felt, the health issues (which have only gotten worse), and the need to be healthy for my daughter. He scheduled an appointment for me on December 18th, 2014. The irony of this is, my Dad who passed away from Cancer died on that date. Now I say irony because he ALWAYS picked on my weight or how I was eating. Once he got sick he started to change and told me he only wanted what was best for me. So my very first appointment fell on the two year Anniversary of his passing. I took it as a sign that I was going in the right direction. 
 
I have now since seen Behavioral Health and a Nutritionist, and I couldn't be more sure that I am making the right choice. I have my Immersion Day/Orientation (where all the Doctors and such come together and meet with all the patients who are considering some type of weight loss surgery) on January 12th, 2015. It's an all day event from 9am to 4pm. This is also when I will make my first appointment with the Surgeon who will preform my Bypass. I also have my next Behavioral and Nutritionist appointments set up for Feb 3rd,2015. I am nervous but still feel like I am making the best choice for not only myself, but so I can have a longer/healthier life for my Daughter. 
 
I am looking for support in my choice, as well as someone else I can talk to either while they are going through their journey or have already had their Bypass. I look forward to hearing for you. :)