Michelle H.
I have been overweight most of my life, but it seemed like it became out of control when I was in college at the University of Iowa. It did not help that my boyfriend at the time and I ate out almost everyday. Iowa City has wonderful restaurants and I hated to cook! I know I have a food addiction. I hate that food controls my life. The first thing I think about when I wake up is what I am having for breakfast and I want seconds before I even finish my first serving. I know this can't be fixed by surgery, but I am working at it. I decided this year to look into gastric bypass surgery. I dismissed it years before since I thought it would have the same effect just to eat less. I attended a seminar by Dr. Matt Glascock in July and was hopeful that this was for me. I was so impressed with him and his staff. He is professional and expects a lot from his patients. I need expectations like that. I don't want to let him or myself down. My insurance company, Principal Midland's Choice, requires a 6 month physician-supervised diet and exercise program with dietician appointments before I can apply for pre-approval. I hope to apply for pre-approval in January 2007! I have to wait another 6 months before surgery, but I can't wait to have a surgery date scheduled. Then I will feel like this is really happening. I recently started an exercise program with the support of my mom and sister. I usually do about twenty minutes of circuit weights and 30 minutes of treadmill, exercise bike or elliptical machines. This is the first time in my life where I make exercise a part of my life. It isn't as bad as I thought. I wish I would start seeing physical results, though! My hobbies include spending time with my family, going to movies, playing with my 2-year-old American Eskimo dog, Parker, and going to concerts. One of the best moments in my life was meeting Brad Arnold of 3 Doors Down. My goal is to reach my goal weight and meet him again so I can be proud of my picture with him!
