Cindy C.
Surgery date: June 29,. 2007. I have had weight issues on and off since my first child was born. At 5'9", I've always been the 'big girl' (even at 135 pounds after surgery for an ovarian tumor took my weight down sharply and I looked like a starvation victim).
I'm a busy single mom with four boys 19, 11, 11 and 10 who rock my world...they are the best. I also have a crazy busy career and am starting a new job which is my dream job on 7.9.07. (Not a lot of changes, 'eh?).
My marriage became super rocky about 5-10 (who's counting?) years ago and food became my friend...In the last 10 years I went from 180 to 250. My main concern became my health (although the self esteem plummets at a high weight, does it not?). My mom had a triple by pass (heart), stroke, hip replacement, and overall stinky health and she has never been 'obese'. Maybe a BMI of 30-32. I thought, w/ my weight and those genes, I have to do something. My boys need me!
I made a significant personal sacrifice in Jan. to hire a personal trainer 3x a week and went faithfully every morning at 7a. I lost one size and 18 inches in two months...then a plateau, nothing came off. A friend came into my life who had an RNY and he had been 350 plus (at 6'5" just looked very round in pics) and went to 220 w/ the RNY. As I researched it, I found the lap band and after much research, prayer and thought decided it was for me. As my BMI wasn't high enough (since I'd lost 15# working out/dieting) and I had no co-morbidities other than arthritis in the spine and undiagnosed sleep apnea, having insurance cover would be difficult. Then, I discovered my co. didn't insure any WLS or meds, etc.
So, I sold the boat my dear departed hub loved so much that I got in the divorce, and in a move of putting myself first for a change, paid for the surgery. Had to travel 4.5 hours to Cincinnati as in NE OH surgery was $10K higher.
Am writing this one week post surgery...the past 7 days were tougher than I imagined or was lead to believe by the Dr. or staff. I'm a very tough cookie, but I had such severe gas and incision/muscle pain I was surprised. I'm guessing at my post op I'll hear that the previous surgery to remove the very, very large tumor (I'm cut 4" above my belly button all the way down to the bikini line) 16 yrs ago left a ton of scar tissue they had to remove or work around... My insides felt 'violated' 
. I woke up this morning and feel like a brand new woman. Yeah God!!!
I am so excited about my new friend...have yet to name her. My voracious appetite will finally be held in check. I've been practicing good eating (whole wheat, low fat proteins, even organic) for some time. So this should make my transition easier.
This board is fabulous and has saved my sanity many times over. Best to each of you!
With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible... For with God nothing will be impossible. (Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:37)
