beckylou

I have struggled with my weight ever since puberty.  Being called names like Thunderthighs and Hipster were normal to me in high school despite being involved in many activities in school.  I tried various fad diets and nothing ever worked.  In college my weight was like a rollercoaster - down during good times and up during bad.  The real issues began, though, after I had my first child.  Despite breastfeeding, exercise, and eating healthy - the weight wouldn't come off.  Soon I found myself faced with breathing issues, joint issues, sleeping issues and fertilitiy issues.   I lost some weight with a commercial program and luckily was able to conceive our second daughter as a result.  After her birth my weight just kept climbing.  I was seeing more doctors and taking more medicine than I ever had before.  I had several sleep studies done and my doctor gave me the horrible truth - I wouldn't get a good night's sleep unless I lost weight, but in order to lose weight I had to get quality sleep.  He basically forced me to realize that nothing could be done unless I lost weight.  Shortly after my 2nd daughter's birth, my mom had Lap Band surgery.  I watched her lose weight and improve her lifestyle over the last year or so.  I also witnesses her struggles as well.  With her guidance and the support of my husband, I decided that Lap Band would be my saving grace.  I am scheduled for surgery on October 7, 2010.  I am nervous yet hopeful.  I want to be able to play with my daughters and enjoy watching them grow into adults.  I want to have energy to be more involved in the lives of my family and friends.  I want to look into the mirror and not be ashamed of what reflects back at me.  I want my life back and I hope that Lap Band will help me do so.