Nightingale
9/14/07: ME 10/1/07: Here's a little history of my journey.
Well my story begins as most others. I have been overweight all of my life. As a young child in elementary school I remember vividly being teased by other children about my weight. I had a pair of size 14 Gloria Vanderbilt Jeans in the 5th grade and I could barely fit them. I always bought clothes in the plus size department/stores. I danced tap and jazz as a child but I did not stick with it because I was always the fattest girl in the group. The same thing with softball. I hated how I looked in costumes and uniforms. I did not look anything like the other kids. So once I lost the confidence to participate because of my size I began to grow even bigger. When I was in highschool all of the boys were attracted to my "mature" body. This was not helpful at such a difficult time for teenagers. On into college I continued to grow with the freshman 15, which was more like 20-30 for me. I married at 30 yrs old weighing 265 lbs. I lost 35 lbs with my first pregnancy because I lost my appetite. I got down to 235. I thought I was looking good. I felt good. I had hoped I could keep the weight off after my daughter was born, especially since I nursed her for 11 months. But then I got pregnant with my son 6 months later. I had a good appetite with the second pregnancy and ate all I wanted. All of the weight came back plus some. Currently I weigh approximately 280 lbs and am having lots of problems. My PCP diagnosed me with high blood pressure at the beginning of this year. I have arthritis in my knees and I have low back pain most of time. My feet hurt when I stand and I have trouble with circulation in my arms. I suffer from acid reflux and incontinence. I have decided to have weight loss surgery so that I can experience life as it should be lived. I want to raise my kids by example. I want them to have good eating and exercise habits and be proud of their mommie. I want to be confident and beautiful for my dear loving and supportive husband. I want to be able to act on my hopes and dreams and not sit back thinking I cannot do something either physically or mentally. I WANT TO LIVE.
I first spoke with my PCP at the beginning of this year about WLS. She referred me to 2 bariatric surgeons. While investigating them I discovered Dr. Smith and the
I am scheduled for DS surgery on Tuesday October 23rd, 2007. I am so excited. Currently I am trying to get mentally prepared for my new life to come. I have been trying various ready made protein drinks. Buying vitamins and working on organizing my support team for my recovery period. I have a 3 1/2 year old daughter and a 2 year old son. So needless to say I will need lots of help during recovery.
I am looking forward to sharing the rest of my journey with you.
~Follow your dreams
