As a teenager, I was a high school athlete and a collegiate athleteas well so I was accustomed to be on the go and very, very active. After school, I remained very active with coaching and some participation. About 4 years after I stopped coaching and being active, my weight soared to an astounding number (prefer not to share) and I needed to take action. So I started walking and going to the gym and it worked. But then some personal tragedies occured and 20 of the 30 pounds that I had lost I gained back. I just got tired of being tired...I needed to be proactive. So after thinking and talking and researching, I decided that I should do the gastric banding. I don't have any health issues (other than obesity) and I would like to keep it that way for as long as possible. Both my parents suffered from hypertension and cardiovascular disease and if I can help it, I do not want these to be a part of my story. So, here I am 11 days post op, 10 pounds lighter and I have no regrets!!! I can't wait to see where this journey takes me.