It is absolutely amazing how much 100 pounds can change your life. Two years ago my weight dictated nearly every decision I made. I dreaded riding in someone else’s car because some seatbelts were too tight. In restaurants, I had to make sure there was enough room between the table and the bench seat for me to sit. In most activities, I sat on the sidelines and watched my life happen but never participated out of fear that my size might become an issue. Nearly every day my feet or knees would ache and burn. All of those things led me to the decision to have Lap Band surgery.

In the last two years, I have lost nearly 100 pounds and gained so much freedom. There is an old saying, that nothing tastes as good as skinny feels. For me nothing tastes as good as my hubby’s arms reaching all the way around me during a hug, or the shocked look on my kid’s faces when I participate in something with them that I normally wouldn’t have. So many say that the band gave them their life back, but I say the band gave me control back. I am in control of the food choices that I make, I am in control of my portion sizes, and I am in control of the hunger and cravings. I am not at my goal weight, but I am well on my way and getting closer and closer every day. My weight no longer makes my decisions. For the first time in a long time, I make my own decisions.

Date of Surgery: November 2010

Starting Weight: 284 BMI: 57

Current Weight: 193 BMI: 39