happymom91710

As a single mom for the last 19 years, my life has been stressful but fulfilling.  My weight has always been an issue, but after the birth of my oldest daughter 22 years ago my weight ballooned and continued until it plateaued at 311 lbs.  I guess my body was incapable of taking anymore.  I was diagnosised with fibromyalgia 10-12 years ago, was taking care of everyone except myself.  As my youngest became a senior in high school, I decided that it was time for me and that if I wanted to live long enough to see my daughters married and with children of their own, I needed to do something.  I had tried dieting for many years (I come from a family of obese people).My first attempt at weight loss surgery was in 2007, but my insurance carrier at the time (healthnet) would not approve it.  My employer then switched to Blue Cross and was approved the first time.  It was a short process and I had my surgery in June 2008. I was in the surgery for a little than 1 hour and arrived in my room.  I was up and walking a few hours that day and had an upper GI to check for band placement and any possible problems.  It was all good and I walked out of the hospital that afternoon.I continued to lose weight all the way through my 15th month without any adjustment to my band from the surgery.  At 15 months I had my first adjustment and learned the true reality of the lapband system (clogging, the chest pain, the vomiting), it didn't take me long to figure it all out.  I have had my band over 2 years and although I would have liked to believed it was a quick fix, I realize that it is just a tool for my life long weight loss.  I have gone from a size 22 to just recently buying my first pair of size 12 pants and can wear medium and some small shirts.I do have lots of loose skin that hopefully can be taken care of this next year.  I have a wonderful man in my life and great daughters.  I have learned to accept the compliments, comments and questions about my weight loss.  My youngest daughter had a fear of losing the mom she knew, I promised her that I would be the same mom (it is the first promise I broke to her).  I am a better person full of life and a positive attitude.  I am once again able to enjoy my life with my daughters, family and friends.  I should have done this sooner, but believe that you must be in the right time in your life and have your mind set to make the change.