mommychan
I'm a 39 year old mother of 2, ages 19 and 16. I've been overweight 80% of my life, starting at age 5. Through various weight-loss programs, diet pills, etc. I've managed to get down to "fighting weight" several times, but the pounds always creep back up on me and I gain back what I'd lost plus more.
I'm not looking to be a supermodel, but the older I get the more I see how my weight is adversely affecting my overall health. Both of my parents and my sister have always been overweight. My father had a triple bypass two years ago and my mother has so much trouble with her knees and joints now that she can barely get up the few steps into my home. I see myself heading that direction and I'm terrified!
My daughter is morbidly obese and I truly fear for her health as well. My husband and I have never forced her to lose weight for fear of hurting her feelings and lowering her self-esteem. Although I believe she is a very grounded individual with a healthy attitude towards what is truly important in life (NOT being a size 2 tag-hag!), I know she is unhappy with her physical condition and it breaks my heart that she gets winded just climbing the few stairs in her school.
I'm a very happy person with wonderful friends and a supportive family...I just want to be able to run and jump and LIVE...and I want the same for my daughter!!! I've rejected the idea of weight loss surgery for years because of the expense and risk involved, but feel that it's time to buckle down and do whatever has to be done to see the process through. I'm dedicated to making this work and determined to stick with the program!
I'd like to add that my sister-in-law had a gastric bypass last year and nearly died due to complications, which added to my fear of this surgery. (She lives on the MS Gulf Coast and used one of those fly-by-night surgeons.) She looks and feels wonderful now so I've done my reasearch to insure that we find the most qualified surgeon with the best track record...someone who is right for us. That man is Dr. Mark Gibbs, and I truly believe that he is going to save our lives!
