1000words

I have been overweight for most of my life. After being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 1998 I was prescribed steroids and over the course of the next 10 years I ballooned to @ 300 pounds. I tried every diet and would never lose more than a few pounds and quickly gained it back each time (plus more). In January 2008 I decided to get the lapband. After going through a couple of doctors I ended up being banded in September. Combining the pre-op diet and the band I was down to 190 pounds by Feb. 2009. My doctor wants you to eat no more than 30 carbs a day and at least 50 grams of protien. As long as I followed his rules I typically lost at least 10 pounds a month. I also tried to work out at least 5 hours a week. I got pregnant... and had my son in October 2009. I quickly lost the weight and was back down to my pre-pregnancy weight by Feb. 2010.

Once I reached under 200 pounds I just stopped worrying about my weight and what I ate. I was just happy with myself. I still lost sizes, but maintained the same weight for the past 3 years. Prior to surgery I wore size 26-28 and XXXL... now I wear 14 and XL.

I am currently in the process of getting insurance approval for a tummy tuck to get rid of the excess skin and fat off my middle. I have started back on my low carb diet and I am going to the gym daily again.