Denelle de la Torre

I have been considering weight loss surgery since 2011. My sister-in-law advised me that she was using this new weight loss company, Medifast and urged me to try it with her. So, in January 2012, I started my weight loss journey with Medifast. I did not deviate from the program and lost 100lbs by September 2012, at which point I discovered I was pregnant. So, I stopped the diet and still maintained a heavy protein low-carb diet until the sugar cravings hit. Apparently I was hypoglycemic during the pregnancy and I craved sugar to keep my levels in check. I quickly regained the 100 pounds lost during the pregnancy.
 
When I gave birth to my son, I was the same weight when I started the diet. It was if the past year didn't even happen. After giving birth, I lost 30 pounds due to water weight, baby, etc. My son was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot within 24 hours of his birth. My health immediately went unchecked as I panicked and focused all efforts on the life of my son and managing his health.
 
The first six months of his life overtook everything in my household. His oxygen levels quickly plummeted causing the cardiologist to perform his life saving open heart surgery sooner than he projected, at 4 months of age. Since surgery, he has blossomed and is about to celebrate his 2nd birthday; after my weight loss surgery scheduled on 3/27/15.
 
For such a long time, I have focused on everyone and everything else in my life except my weight and my health. I need to take charge of myself so that I can play with my son and be there for him with his future surgeries. I want to have another baby so that my son can have someone to play with, but I cannot do it at my current weight and health issues. I need to be the best me I can be so I can be the mother he deserves.