1019Joanne

I have been overweight for years - but more so after my divorce 17 years ago. It's as if I used my weight to keep the rest of the world at bay, while I focused on being a good mom, and growing my children.My youngest will be graduating from high school in the spring of 2010, and I know now that I need to make the time NOW for me - I need to make myself a priority, and be healthy and ready for this next chapter of my life. I have been researching gastric banding for some time, but never followed through, until this year. I located the top surgeon in my area, and called his office and made an appointment. That was on July 1, 2009. This journey has taught me so much about myself - that I AM my own best advocate, and I AM good enough, I AM strong enough, and that I have the most amazing support system ever. My family and friends have rallied around me, and I am so blessed to have such wonderful people cheering me on. I have my surgery scheduled for October 19, 2009. This is going to be the start of a whole new life for me.... and I am ready for this journey!