amy0780
My life came about in April of 81. I was born to 2 very loving parents. They offered me a privileged life, not with possessions, but with love. Our house was no longer a house, but a home that was shaped with the love and support they offered my brother and I.
I guess the first time I felt "fat" was in 5th grade, when we moved from one county to the other. I started school in August with no friends and felt like the outsider. Everyone else was different than me. Not only did I get made fun of for my weight, but I also had an accent that everyone liked to laugh at. But I guess I am jumping ahead.
I was overweight at an early age but never felt like I was. I was a very active child. I played Tee Ball, did gymnastics, took Piano lessons, and played outside all the time. When I first moved and started at the new school, I joined the Dance Team, Gymnastics, and Softball. Nothing seemed to help me get the weight off. At 11 years old I was 4' 8" and weighed 180 lbs. That's when they diagnosed me with Hypothyroidism and Graves Disease. Which is odd because most HYPO people don't have Graves Disease, that is a characteristic for those with Hyperthyroidism. It took the pediatrician a while to get me diagnosed but I am assuming it was because of the confusion of the symptoms that I had.
I was sent to an Endocrinologist that specialized in Pediatrics. My mom was told that we were lucky they found out because I was a walking time bomb. My doctor put me on Synthroid for my thyroid problem and put me on a special diet. In that time I was still active with the Dance team, gymnastics and softball, so all the exercise helped out a lot. I lost 50lbs and grew 6 inches. I was so proud of myself and my weight. But as time goes on and a person ages things change. I became a teenager and went through puberty and of course GAINED WEIGHT. By the time I graduated high school I weighed 230 lbs, and by the time I graduated college I weighed 250lbs. When I got married in 2004 I had gained more weight and weighed in at 265 lbs. In November 2005 I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and the weight has just kept on coming. I now weigh 306lbs and am scheduled for the Duodenal Switch December 30, 2008. I am so excited about this. I am ready for a new healthier me. I can't hardly wait.
