lstoddard

I was the skinny minny prior to having children. After my children were born, it was very hard to lose the weight. I tried several diets and programs. With Weight Watchers, I was able to lose over 50lbs. However, when WW left the office (WW at work), it was hard for me to have the mindset to go to meetings in the next town over, so I stopped going. I also figured, I had learned what I needed...so I could count my points and continue to do well without going to weigh in. This was not a fact. I not only gained back the 50lbs...but I also gained about 10 more...putting me at my highest weight ever.On top of all of this, I was also having problems with my teenage daughter. Drugs, boyfriend sneaking in, etc. etc.  My blood pressure continued to rise. Then my daughter became pregnant...(I am only 41! I cannot be a grandmother yet!!!)  Although still within in the normal ranges, it was a high range. The NP just kept monitoring. In June of 2008...I had a heart attack. Stress related they said...contributed by high blood pressure.  A blood clot that no-one can confirm where it came from...a piece of plague that burst (although arteries are clear) and caused a blood clot.  Everyone kept telling me something different. I felt like I was being given excuses.  But I knew the real reason. My weight! My weight and stress had caused the higher blood pressure...which brought on the minor heart attack.  I quit my job and found a less stressful one. By this time, my daughter is now clean and a good mom to my beautiful grandson....whom I got to watch come into this world. Now that stress levels are down...I knew also that I needed to really buckle down and do something about my weight. So back to the diet board I go. Only now, no matter what I try...I cannot lose weight. I am going to cardiac rehab and gym only to walk on treadmill where I can't let my heart rate get too high, so I feel like it isn't doing anything. In the back of my mind, I've thought about weight loss surgeries for a few years...but too chicken. I knew my husband wouldn't be too supportive...but I also knew that I had to try something. So I did some research, got my facts together on gastric bypass and lapband options and sat down for a serious heart to heart with my best friend and husband. He was skeptical...but agreed that I had to do something...and agreed to go to the information session with me. We agreed that lapband was a better option for us.  As I've taken certain steps to improve my eating habits, gave up sode and started protein shakes...he has made these changes with me. My teenage son has also been supportive and made some changes as well. He gave up soda before my husband did. They are both reaping the benefits of my surgery, as they have both lost weight as well.I believe this was the best decision I could have made. I've lost 38lbs so far! My blood pressure medications have been cut in half and by the end of the week, I suspect they will be cut in half again. I still have a long way to go, but I'm looking forward to being healthier.