At this time last year I was two pounds shy of 250 pounds. I had spent 10+ years trying countless diets and dedicated myself to these little spurts of "exercise dedication". The diets never lasted and I never remained dedicated. Healthy foods were not a problem, I love all healthy foods; exercise wasn't a problem, I used to be certified as an aerobic instructor and weight trainer. The problem was that I loved ALL foods and I loved them in COPIOUS quantities. Another problem was time. Between a full time job as a high school English teacher, grading papers (115 students multiplied by x amount of assignments/ essays...yikes!); sponsoring the dance team (taking up 3 evenings of my week, including Friday football travels and arriving home after midnight); and being a mother of 4 kids (ranging from 2 to 10)...my life was pretty stressful. I struggled to manage my time to take the time to make healthy meals and exercise. Fast food was the quickest and easiest. No cooking time required and--even better--no clean up! Every year the weight crept up, reaching 200, 210, 220, 235. I couldn't stop it.

In April, after I found out my aunt was getting the surgery, I decided I wanted to get it too. I thought, "Why wait until this gets even more out of control?" I did the research. At first I was adamant that I was going to get the lap band, but after extensive research and discovering so many horror stories, I decided to go for the sleeve--especially seeing that the bypass required supplementation for life (I have 4 kids for a reason folks!). My doctor agreed and on June 18th of 2013 I had the sleeve.

I made changes at home. I spent my weekends preparing food for the week (like dicing fresh fruits and freezing them for homemade smoothies the whole family enjoyed for breakfast). I bought the kids bikes, baseball gear, volleyballs, and everything in between and my husband and I decided to make our weekends active ones at the park. I stopped buying junk food. Period. Including chips, sodas, juices, and any starchy and heavily carbed foods with no nutritional value. My whole family has benefited. Exercising has become a part of our weekly tradition, like going to church or going to work. It is a must and a priority.

This surgery has not only changed my life, but the lives of my family as a whole. And I feel good that my kids will have a better foundation of healthier living because of it. It was worth every penny. Now, I have 15 to 20 pounds to go! I want to keep some of my curves, so I haven't decided how low I want to go in weight until I see how I look!

Edited January 20, 201412 yr by Curvy

Everything you said is exactly why I went forward with the surgery. To feel the same on the outside as I do on the inside. Number one priority, to enjoy life to the fullest with my munchkins & hubby. To remain healthy physically and emotionally! You keep rockin' it out !!! Thank you for being a inspiration & positive voice!

There is NOTHING better than having the ability to enjoy life to its fullest with your loved ones! Congrats on your decision and good luck on your journey!

Wow! You look awesome and are an inspiration! Thank you for sharing!!!

You look amazing. I'm starting the process to get my surgery. I'm a little scared but reading your story makes me feel good about my decision. ????

You look amazing. I'm starting the process to get my surgery. I'm a little scared but reading your story makes me feel good about my decision. dde0a

Any surgery is scary. Even when you look at the national numbers that state that there is a 2% chance of complications and even less percentage in mortality, it's still scary because you don't want that to be you. When I went searching for doctors I asked about their rate of patients who had complications, and if they had anyone die on the table or post op. I asked how many patients they had sleeved. I ultimately went with the doctor that seemed most passionate, up front and honest with me. My doctor even went to the extent of suturing over the staple line to even further minimize the risk of leaks. I task, he says, that only takes an extra 10 minutes that benefits his patients and himself. He talked about bougie size and why it's used and why you don't want to go to big or too small. He covered EVERYTHING and seemed so passionate that he gained my trust. I love my doctor and you should find one that treats his patients like an individual and not a number.

That being said, this surgery is--like most people say on this site--life changing. It has been one of the most positive things in my life (other than my kids) and I would do it all over again.

Good luck to you. Remember to arm yourself with knowledge, ask questions, and be picky about the doctor you choose.

Oh...and thank you VERY much for the compliment!

Any surgery is scary. Even when you look at the national numbers that state that there is a 2% chance of complications and even less percentage in mortality, it's still scary because you don't want that to be you. When I went searching for doctors I asked about their rate of patients who had complications, and if they had anyone die on the table or post op. I asked how many patients they had sleeved. I ultimately went with the doctor that seemed most passionate, up front and honest with me. My doctor even went to the extent of suturing over the staple line to even further minimize the risk of leaks. I task, he says, that only takes an extra 10 minutes that benefits his patients and himself. He talked about bougie size and why it's used and why you don't want to go to big or too small. He covered EVERYTHING and seemed so passionate that he gained my trust. I love my doctor and you should find one that treats his patients like an individual and not a number.

That being said, this surgery is--like most people say on this site--life changing. It has been one of the most positive things in my life (other than my kids) and I would do it all over again.

Good luck to you. Remember to arm yourself with knowledge, ask questions, and be picky about the doctor you choose.

Oh...and thank you VERY much for the compliment!

Thanks. I like that you mentioned the doctor because I have been doing research for months and the doctor I have chosen is well know here in Delaware. Thanks

Congratulations you look fabulous. One of the changes I made that has had an impact on my family is I went cold turkey and stopped buying any kinds of cookies/cake/soda. My 14 year old son had been starting to gain weight a little too fast. Since I made this change he has lost 14 pounds and is looking like an athlete. Lots of complaints at first from the kids about not having "treats" in the house but they are now used to it. They can still indulge in these things when at friends house, parties, school, its just not readily available at home.

Curvy,

I don't want to sound like a broken record, but you look amazing and fabulous. Fantastic job. I know you'll keep it up.

Congratulations you look fabulous. One of the changes I made that has had an impact on my family is I went cold turkey and stopped buying any kinds of cookies/cake/soda. My 14 year old son had been starting to gain weight a little too fast. Since I made this change he has lost 14 pounds and is looking like an athlete. Lots of complaints at first from the kids about not having "treats" in the house but they are now used to it. They can still indulge in these things when at friends house, parties, school, its just not readily available at home.

Exactly!!! Love it!!! Congrats on making those positive changes at home with kiddos! I think it's the best thing we can do as moms and it just reiterates the fact that this surgery is not only life changing for those of us he get it, but it can be life changing for our families as well.

Curvy, I don't want to sound like a broken record, but you look amazing and fabulous. Fantastic job. I know you'll keep it up.

Thank you ribearty! I appreciate the compliment and I have to admit, I like broken records! Ha!!!

Woohoo! Hit the 150's to day...159 to be exact! Can't wait to hit goal!

Edited January 28, 201412 yr by Curvy

Congrats!!