I was very active growing up. Infact, i was a competitive baton twirler and dancer. I won 4 world championships and 3 Junior Olympic gold medals in my twirling career, and i even got a scholarship to twirl in college. After my second year of twirling, I had put on a ton of weight unexpectedly. I had been to many doctors, and nobody could figure out what was wrong with me. Finally, I was told to go to Dr. Arem in Houston, a world renowned thyroid specialist. He diagnosed me with Hashimoto's thyroditis and I was put on thyroid medication. The medication helped me to lose weight very slowly. At one of my visits, I was in tears because i was so frustrated. He told me I would have to work out 4 hours a day in order to maintain my weight. That's not realistic for anyone, so I asked him if I could do lapband. He said yes, and I had surgery a month later with Dr. J in Dallas. I am so grateful for the lapband and it has changed my life in so many ways. I'm so lucky to have the most wonderful and supportive boyfriend that has stuck by my side through this whole experience. He loves me fat or thin. I feel incredible now!