I have battled being overweight since my mid-twenties. Sure, I tried every diet out there. Weight Watchers, Nutri System, Quick Weight Loss, Protein Power, Atkins…you name it, I tried it! I would lose 20 pounds…then gain 30. Lose 10…gain 20… until my weight was totally out of control. I stopped looking in the mirror and I started making daily excuses. I kept telling myself, “I am perfectly healthy. I don’t have high blood pressure (well not really)…and I don’t have diabetes (not yet)….I am happy, so who cares what I look like? I’ve got three kids, I need to focus on them right now….I will worry about me…later”. I stopped looking in the mirror. I continued to make excuses every day about not addressing my weight problems but the fact was, I heading down a road that would have severe consequences in the future, if I didn’t address my weight problem and address it soon.

A little more than two years ago, my journey began. It wasn’t until I went to my 20th high school reunion when I saw a picture of me on posted on face book (of all places). I saw a picture of someone I didn’t recognize. That person was me. Something clicked. I realized my excuses were not going to work anymore. I had to reprogram my thought process, but how? I knew how to eat correctly. I exercised at times. I then realized what my biggest problem was…it was portion control. I started cataloging what was going into my mouth and I realized I was eating all of the time. I was snacking throughout the day, but I was also “finishing off” my children’s food every time they ate, in addition to eating a very large portion of food when I sat down to eat. Then I heard from a colleague at work about the lap band procedure and I looked into it. Having the lap band procedure was the best investment I made in my life. I have lost almost 100 pounds and I cannot be happier with the results. Even more importantly, I am healthier.