I always considered myself to be an average size as a child growing up and never thought that I would become an overweight adult. That all changed after the birth of my first child. My weight began to fluctuate. I would gain weight, go on a diet to lose weight and end up gaining even more. It seemed too hard to stick with anything more than a couple of months.

By 1999, my weight had reached over 200 pounds and the health problems began. I was diagnosed with diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, back problems, acid reflux and shortness of breath to name a few. Many medications were added to my daily routine for the very first time. As time progressed, so did my weight and the severity of my medical problems. By 2009, I had had many surgeries and seen many specialists. My diabetes was so out of control that I had to take 55 units of insulin and 1000mg of oral medications twice a day.

My highest weight reached around 255. I never wanted to look in the mirror because I didn’t like what I would see. Trips with the family seemed more of a burden than a fun adventure. I would periodically have to sit down and rest causing them to have to wait on me. Secretly, I would sometimes cry myself to sleep at night. Other times, I would be depressed and mad with myself for not being able to beat the cycle I constantly repeated. When my daughter graduated from high school, my eyes were opened. My son was still in middle school and I would someday have grandchildren. I could hardly stand the thought that I may not see my son graduate or my grandchildren born if I continued down the same road.

The first lap band seminar I attended was in 2008. I was very interested but couldn’t afford the surgery and my insurance did not cover it. In 2009, my insurance company changed their policy and set guidelines for patients to complete a six month process before approval. I could hardly wait to jump on board. Dr. Bagnato had performed the Esophyx surgery on me in November of 2008 for acid reflux and I was thrilled to hear he was going to be approved as a “bariatric center of excellence”. The year 2010 was going to be my year to take care of me.

December 30, 2009, I walked in the hospital weighing 241 pounds and wearing a size 24 or 3x clothes. During the first six weeks after surgery, I lost 27 pounds and was taken off all my medications except an oral medication for my diabetes. I had not been there for 10 years. I knew my choices were making a difference. Dr. Bagnato and his staff made sure I would get the information needed for my step by step success and support. Going to the gym became part of my everyday routine. March 20, 2010 was the first 5k I would participate in. my completion time was 50:04. I did finish! By April 2010, I was able to control my diabetes by diet and exercise and no longer needed any medications. June 26, 2010, I finished my second 5k with a time of 38:42. Plans have been made to participate in two more 5k’s in August.

My family, friends and co-workers are amazed with my new look and new outlook on life. People hardly recognize me when I walk by. My self-confidence has returned and I like what I see when I look in the mirror. I now wear a size 12/14 or medium clothes. What a difference in just six months.

I thank God for giving me the strength to make it through and the guidance to find the right path and to see that all things are possible through him. I thank my family for being my rock and support as well as the others that have offered words of encouragement.

To Dr. Bagnato and all the bariatric staff, “THANK YOU!” I could only hope that through all the guidance that you have provided to me, I will be an inspiration to someone else making the choice to get on the right path.

To anyone thinking or wondering if this is the right choice for you, do your research and you will find that “It will be the best thing you have ever done for yourself.”