Shari P.
My story is not unlike many others. I was raised in a great family. When I was small we went camping all the time. We enjoyed our family gatherings both Grandparent's homes. We ate well and we played hard.
I married my husband Dan in 1980. He is truly my best friend. I was 175 pounds when we married. We enjoyed camping, hiking, going to truck pulls, drive-in movies, playing softball, having picnics in the park, swimming and traveling.
A few years into our marriage, my husband discovered that he had circulation problems in his feet. When he was not working, he had to keep his feet elevated. This drastically changed our lifestyle.
About 10 years ago my doctor diagnosed me with High Blood Pressure. 5 years later I was diabetic. No amount of dieting helped. I tried several different diets and each one failed. One day I woke up and was 388 pounds. What is to blame? Seditary lifestyle, drive-thru's, potato chips, soda and just being plain lazy.
This weight was suffocating the life out of my body. It was all I could do to work every day. I struggled getting dressed in the morning. Even driving in my car was a challenge. I was turning into a grumpy, hateful person. I did not see a future for me.
Before the passing of our Father, my brother Jeff and I promised to make sure that Mom is well taken care of. I stayed awake many a night wondering how I can keep my promise if I can't even take care of myself.
Through my work I had to opportunity to go to Nebraska for 2 days with one of my co-workers, Vince. Vince had Gastric Bypass surgery done about a year previously. All the way to Nebraska I asked him many, many questions about the surgery, complications, and about his life now. Vince inspired me to call the Bariatric Center. I phoned the next day and signed up for the informational seminar.
Dan, Mom and I attended the seminar. By the end of the seminar I was determined to have this surgery. It has been a long slow journey since that day in December. But I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Today is May 20th, 2007. Tomorrow I will be 6 weeks post op and have lost 50 pounds. I have so much energy now. I arise daily ready to face whatever challenge comes my way. I really enjoy life and living. I am so thankful for my family who have been by my side throughout this time in my life. They are truly the best support system anyone could ever ask for and I love them very much!
My support system: Dan, Mom, Jeff, Nancy, Amy, Dallas and Aunt Carla!
