Hi my name is Shaquana. I am 24 years old and I've been struggling with my weight for as long as I could remember. It wasn't until about 2 years ago until I decided that I didn't want to be in this body anymore. I was OK with being a big girl until my knees started aching always being out of breath with just walking up a couple of steps and shopping became harder. Today I am at my heaviest weighing in at about 318 lbs. That's not OK because looking at my family medical background history it's very unhealthy to be this weight and I decided enough is enough I'm gonna put a stop to my weight gain and try something new. So I decided to try to work out and eat better. But that would only work out for a little while and then I would go back to my old habits. So I decided to look into weight loss surgery. I haven't told anyone because I knew my family would be totally against it and think that I'm just trying to take the easy way out. The two people I did tell was my grandmother and my dad. My grandmother was totally for it because she knows my family medical history and she didn't want me to go down that same route as others in my family did. But I didn't get the same response from my dad. He was totally against it and told me not to do it so that kinda made me think twice about doing it. But then I thought to myself that I am an adult and it's my decision on weather if I want to do it or it if he can't except it than so be it. So I started the process which is very long and getting the OK from my insurance to pay for it. I know that it's not gonna be an easy road but I'm willing to take a risk .

Thank you

Hi congrats on your choice in bring healthy this us a big decision that you must make thats in thebest interest for you. Good luck in your journey .

Hi my name is Shaquana. I am 24 years old and I've been struggling with my weight for as long as I could remember. It wasn't until about 2 years ago until I decided that I didn't want to be in this body anymore. I was OK with being a big girl until my knees started aching always being out of breath with just walking up a couple of steps and shopping became harder. Today I am at my heaviest weighing in at about 318 lbs. That's not OK because looking at my family medical background history it's very unhealthy to be this weight and I decided enough is enough I'm gonna put a stop to my weight gain and try something new. So I decided to try to work out and eat better. But that would only work out for a little while and then I would go back to my old habits. So I decided to look into weight loss surgery. I haven't told anyone because I knew my family would be totally against it and think that I'm just trying to take the easy way out. The two people I did tell was my grandmother and my dad. My grandmother was totally for it because she knows my family medical history and she didn't want me to go down that same route as others in my family did. But I didn't get the same response from my dad. He was totally against it and told me not to do it so that kinda made me think twice about doing it. But then I thought to myself that I am an adult and it's my decision on weather if I want to do it or it if he can't except it than so be it. So I started the process which is very long and getting the OK from my insurance to pay for it. I know that it's not gonna be an easy road but I'm willing to take a risk .

Thank you

Like you, I was ok with being a big girl, and it seemed so was everyone else. But when you start hurting and realize that you're very unhealthy and people start looking at you differently, you know you've got to make a change. I started out at 311 so we're pretty similar in that. I pray for the best for you and your journey.

Edited November 16, 201411 yr by downsizingdiva

Thanks love I wish u all the best and your journey as well

Good for you for taking control of your health at an early age! All the evidence suggests that it's incredibly unlikely for people to successfully lose weight on their own - no more than 5% of those who lose weight with diets are able to maintain that loss longterm. The stats for bariatric surgery is about 50% success which is dramatically higher.

As you say - you're an adult and you can make your own decisions. I wish this surgery was an option for me when I was your age. Wishing you the best in your journey, and hoping you can find people to support you.

@@Shaquana523 hi welcome congrats on choosing a path to a healthier future how terrific for you such a young woman to get this chance to have a long life and not have to deal with the bad health effects of being so heavy u mentioned u are experiencing some now it gets worse as u get older sometimes family and friends will disagree with our decision to do this surgery it's usually out of fear of what they don't understand keep in mind the benefits outweigh the risks and for anyone who says your taking the easy way out ignore ignore ignore ! Theres nothing easy about this block out the negative focus on the positive you are worth it best of luck to u!

Hello. I understand how you feel. I'm just starting this process because I'm just hurting. I hurt all the time and at 25 I don't think I should be feeling this way. This year I've been thinking that I could run and jump plus walk forever then I go and do it's a big fail. Ive been thinking that because I was "fine" with being big that has set me back. I realized that I can't fix this weight problem along.

You are a brave person and should keep going.

By having this surgery you will reduce your risk factors for serious diseases and prolong your life.

You are not weak by taking this choice. Quite the opposite!

But you must be strong afterwards and follow the instructions on food and drink choices.

Keep the momentum and be true to yourself.

Thank u so much I appreciate it