Stevie <3 Sleevie
Once upon a time, there was this little girl. A girl who was only 12 years old. She didn't have the type of childhood that you would expect a young girl to have. She struggled with many things that she couldn't control. One thing she could control was her weight. In only 6th grade she made a change. Spite not being overweight at all, it is the only thing the young girl could control. She began to lose weight through eating disorders. It is amazing how easy it is to hide such a dark secret. Skipping breakfast, taking the money for school lunches and using it for other things, only getting a drink for lunch and eating a very small meal for dinner... if any. She also learned that laxatives and vomiting is another way to get rid food intake. This lasted years until the little girl was turning into a woman and got pregnant. Through the love of her unborn children, she ate the way she was suppose to, maybe too much. She grew overweight. Working hard, she lost all of the weight the correct way. No longer needing to control her weight the way she use to as a child. However, she lost will power and self esteem once again and slowly started to gain weight all over again. After many years and 5 children later, she is overweight with not much hope of seeing that healthy, skinny body she use to have in the mirror. She knows how to lose weight, but for some reason she can't lose much of it anymore. Eating right and exercising only gets her so far. Now she has osteoarthritis from the constant strain on her bones form all the fat.
Is there a light at the end of this tunnel? It's a tunnel that seems to be closing in, but is it? Not really, the person inside of the tunnel is just getting bigger! Though she has talked to doctors in the past about her weight and got many dirty looks and self esteem crushing comments such as, "Just exersice and eat right." All the while looking at her like she is a lazy fat cow. No matter how many times she explained to her doctors, "But I have and I do!" They didn't listen. However, with the growing popularity of bariatric surgery, three years later, doctors are listening! With the support of a good friend and the help of a good doctor, she sees that light at the end of the tunnel getting closer and closer. She had to work for it though. Oh no, it wasn't smooth sailing. Getting a referal alone was a pain in the arse. Karma was on her side... finally, she got accepted. No more dirty looks, only congratulations as each step is made. Oh how good she feels to be close enough to the light to feel the heat from it's rays! She is getting the sleeve and so excited to soon be on the floor playing with her young children without any pain!! Just knowing what the future holds is an improvement in her quality of life and in just a few short weeks she will be on her way to her new healthy self!
Having children really puts life into perspective. Yes, being thin and looking good in the mirror can be considered vain, but look what else you gain. Not only do you get to start liking the image looking back at you in the mirror, but you get years added to your life! You get time... time to spend with your children and loved ones. A chance at life itself. A chance to enjoy and be happy. No more pain, no more dirty looks, no more shopping online because trying things on in the store makes you cry your eyes out! Jump on the trampoline! Sit on a bus or airplane without worrying if the person next to you will try and find another seat or not. Go to the gym and be proud to wear something tight. Be healthy, look good and enjoy your life with everyone you love. Sounds like a GREAT plan to me!
