Aimee J.
Where do I begin?
Growing up, I was always called a "bigger" girl. I played sports in high school and encountered a back injury in May of 1999 that left me inactive for almost a year. I severely twisted my back and herniated three disks, which left me having a triple lumbar laminectomy (L3-S1). I gained 100+ pounds after the surgery and that is when I fell into a deep depression, had poor self-esteem and feelings of poor self-worth. Prior to the injury, I was not fat and I would LOVE to be the size I once was. Although I was "thicker" or "curvy" compared to other women, I was teased horribly in middle school. Being on the other side (abnormal, overweight, whatever you elect to call it), I have been a victim of the ridicule, stereotypes, preconceived notions and unfair discrimination.
I first knew I wanted to have Bariatric surgery in the summer of 2003. Due to life events and a major relocation, I decided against it. Here it is 2007 and I am ready more than ever to have it done.
Things I want to accomplish/do include:
* Swim (haven't been swimming in 9 years)
* Fly without apprehension or anxiety
* Feel comfortable in public
* Be able to eat in a restaurant without people staring
* Shop at cute clothing stores
* Lose 100+ pounds
* Wear a size 10
* Be able to have children
* Deliver presentations for grad school without feeling overwhelmed
* Develop a better self-esteem and feelings of self-worth
