Hello, my name is Amanda. Bariatric surgery has changed my life, tremendously. Before LAP-BAND surgery, I weighed 323.5 pounds. I underwent surgery on February 14, 2011 and by February 14, 2012, one year after my surgery, I had lost 87.5 pounds, bringing my weight down to 236 pounds. As of April 17, 2012, I have lost a total of 95 pounds and have gone down four dress sizes! My current weight is 228 pounds.

After surgery, I experienced no nausea and no pain. There was slight discomfort and itching at the incision site during the healing process. I was back to work in as little as two days after surgery: no loss of work.

Since the surgery, I am no longer on blood pressure medicine and do not have to use a C-PAP machine. Playing with my four-year old son, Tom, is no longer a struggle. I do not have any problems breathing and I no longer need assistance getting up from the floor. My energy level has improved and I’ve noticed no pain in my knees and ankles. Fitting into chairs is no longer a struggle for me. Recently, I made my 1st trip to the beach in over 10 years, wearing a bathing suit instead of a t-shirt and shorts.

I made the decision to change my lifestyle when it comes to my health for me and my family. This has been one of the best choices that I have made in my life.