mamckenz
I have been overweight since the age of 12. I became severely obese at the age of 21. Over the past 15 years, I have fought a battle with my body that I cannot seem to win. I was always told to lose weight. That idea seemed to be obvious. If this were an obtainable goal, I wouldn’t be here writing about a surgery that will save my life.
I began having “hormone problems” about the age of 20. It has taken many years for someone to diagnose me with poly-cystic ovarian syndrome (Cleveland Clinic). This was about 2001. Included in my disorder were hirsutism, adult acne, non-existent periods, migraines, depression, abdominal obesity, and extremely low self esteem. The hirsutism has been very taxing on my mental state. I constantly struggle with so much facial hair that I have to wax every three days. I have been going to a laser treatment facility, (Hair Today Gone Tomorrow) when I can afford it, since about 2003. I am also using the prescription Vaniqa twice a day. The facial hair has been extremely embarrassing and it completely masculinizes me. I believe that if I do not have bariatric surgery, I will suffer with the continued infertility and never have a family. I will also have a very poor mental state.
As years went on, my hypertension became worse and so did my migraines. I also developed high cholesterol. I have been taking medications for both since at least 2003. With my hypertension, came swelling. This problem has caused my legs, feet, ankles, and hands to swell so badly that I cry in pain and cannot wear my normal shoes. I take hydrocholorothyozide for this, but it is temporary relief. I was also diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome in 2005. At that time my weight ballooned to 291 lbs. I participated in a glucose test and it was determined that I was pre-diabetic. I was also insulin resistant at that time. My doctor called this Syndrome X. With Metabolic Syndrome, I have these additional problems: abdominal obesity, acid-reflux disease (mediated), and insulin resistance. I have a family history of obesity. My aunts on my father’s side are all obese and have diabetes. On my maternal side, my mother has been overweight her entire life. She has many weight-related illnesses, such as: hypertension, fibromyalgia, Meniere’s Disease, polycystic ovaries (full hysterectomy), arthritis (knee replacement) and severe depression (medically treated). This is my future.
I have followed the program set forth by the Cleveland Clinic Bariatric and Metabolic Institute. I started a doctor and dietician monitored program on August 1, 2008. I walk 3 times a week and go to the recreational center near my home to exercise. I have religiously kept a food journal and I continually monitor my behaviors with food. I was cleared by nutrition and psychology for surgery. I currently weigh 233 lbs. Believe me this was no easy task.
I have completed all the pre-operative requirements and it was determined by the radiologist that I have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This is devastating news to me. I realize that if I do not lose the abdominal weight, I will probably die sooner than I should or suffer throughout my later adult life.
As you can see, I have spent my entire adult life chasing and treating at least 8 different co-morbidities associated with my morbid obesity. You want to know what’s interesting about this? I am only 37 years old. I deserve a chance. I deserve to be free and have a chance to live a healthy life.
