I started struggling with weight at the age of 12. Around puberty I suppose. I was a size 12/14 throughout middle/high school. Thought I was a giant, tormented by my peers. After graduation my weight continued to climb. At the age of 25 I was married, became more comfortable with my weight.

My husband and I waited a year to try and get pregnant. After 3 years, testing, fertility meds, no success. It was advised I try to lose weight. I failed.

Then decided to get 'lapband' because I thought this was the safest and lest invasive procedure. I had the surgery in November 2007. Began to lose weight and felt wonderful. I was advised to not try and get pregnant for atleast 2 years. My husband and I conceived in Feb 2008. Our son was born Dec 2008. We became pregnant a bit early in, but this was our ultimate goal!

I had a hard time maintaining the weight loss after my pregnancy. I attempted to get 'fills' in my band. It was so difficult to get in all the time. When I did, the 'fill' didn't seem to work. Either too tight, too loose, never quite the sweet spot! I started to gain the weight back.

We started again to have another baby, our son is almost 4. No luck. My husband and I sat down and decided we were very,very blessed with our son and would be ok if he were an only child.

My husband is very active and I just couldn't keep up with him. He can work a 10 hour day, then walk the dog or go for a bike ride, chase around our son. I've just been too tired and lazy!

I made the decision to have the band removed and get gastric bypass.

I thought the sleeve maybe less drastic, however, I didn't want to go through this again. After speaking to my Dr's, nurses, researching and reading forums, I decided to go with the RNY.

I am terrified of never being able to 'eat' what I enjoy again. I love food and eat for comfort, entertainment. I need a mental overhaul when it comes to living to eat and eating to live. I'm looking forward to getting the weight off so I still have energy after being on my feet all day. Too feel better about myself in general so I can be a better wife and mom! Health and happiness is the ultimate goal!

Thank you for sharing your story it is a familiar one to me except I waited so long to take action to improve my life. I admire that you are attacking this at your age. In the end you will enjoy your life so much more when you to can be active and keep up with that hubby of yours!

I also love food & always will. In my heart. After surgery I changed completed. Food I eat to live only. I used to eat just because it was there. I don't miss food & I enjoy the little I eat now. Good luck to you & love reading your story

Thank you for sharing. Welcome. I had the lapband placed seven years ago, thought like you that that would do the trick, but in the end, I should have went with the rny to begin with. Because those are seven years i could have been getting healthier. So hoping my insurance will cover the band removal and the rny.

I am so happy you have your precious son. And I wish for you the health and energy to enjoy every moment with him and your hubby.

Thank you all so much! This site has been an awesome support spot for me! As I recover I find myself here a dozen times a day! May all your struggles turn to victories!