I was obese, unhealthy, and on my way to a shorter life. I had knee surgery in the Navy and the only step next was replacement, and it is not time for that. I also had reconstructive elbow surgery with Titanium from my shoulder to my wrist. I tell you this because even with diet nothing was changing. I had to make a choice, so with my loving family behind me and with their encouragement. I choice to get healthy. Sleeve surgery is not the easy way out so understand that it has been a hard path. I am officially down 136 pounds

I had been overweight for way too many years. It started off as just a few pounds here and there, but by age 32, I was 273 pounds worried that before too long I would be 300 pounds! I had high blood pressure, confidence issues, and could not sleep well. It didn’t help that I ate whatever I wanted and did not exercise. I knew I needed to take control, but I honestly wasn’t sure I could do it alone or have the willpower to do it.

In 2016 my journey started weighing in at 219 pounds. I knew that I needed to do something to change my life for the better. I went to the first appointment for the lap band and knew almost instantly that I was ready to take the jump.