Wow, where to start...
I am currently a 33 year old wife and mother of two. I have been heavy what seems as my entire life. I would not say I was severly obese, I was just always the heavier friend.
After I had my daughter in 1998, I developed hypothyroidism. By the time I was diagnosed I had packed on an additional 25lbs! Over the next few years I had done every diet plan under the sun, then I got pregnant with my son who was born in 2001. The following year I decided I would try Jenny Craig, that worked and I was down to 225, WOW I hadn't seen that number in a longtime! Then I was not able to afford their food and the weight started coming back on. In 2003 I was diagnosed with cancer and that completely shook up my world. As I went through several surgeries the weight just kept adding on... Then before I knew it I had reached 292 at my highest. Most people did and could not believe I was THAT HEAVY because I am tall. I think that is why I was able to "get away with it". Also my weight was evenly distributed.
In early 2006 I decided I had to make a change for myself and my family. They deserved to have a mom that could be active with them. I went and met with Dr. Tiffany Jessee at one of her seminar's. That day changed my life! From there I started the process to get approved for the LapBand. I had chosen not to tell people what I was doing, part of me did not want people to judge me and what if I wasn't approved, then I would have to explain that to everyone. I finally told my family in the final 6th month, some were open and receptive and others were not. They could not understand why I need to go to this extreme. I will never forget the day Joyce (Dr. Jessee's assistant) called to tell me insurance had approved me, I was in tears!
I had my LapBand surgery on October 19, 2006. It was almost like a rebirth for me, this is my chance to star over!
I frequently get asked why I chose LapBand over Gastric Bypass. I felt the Bypass was to extreme and permanent for me.