I will try keep this short as possible. I think everyone here can attest that we could write a book on our journey.

I've always been in shape. Part of the 290+ high PT club in the Army, basketball, softball, and weightlifting were my sports. After 3 kids I gained more weight that I wanted. After my third child, I lost 65 pounds Kickboxing (I was obsessed with it) and was 10 pounds to go I went to the doctor. I wasn't really feeling right and as active as I was I couldn't understand why I started to gain weight back. I was then diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 2009. The roller coaster began. I tried every single fad diet exercise plan and anything I could do to try to lose the weight. I would lose it only to gain it back. I ultimately gave up. I figured that until I could get my thyroid under control why bother besides My primary care would say I was a fit fat mom. My blood pressure / work was fine. I could run 2 to 3 miles without stopping. I was just morbidly obese. I was tired of Fighting and I wanted a new start I wanted a do-over. I was not happy even though everyone else thought I was. I decided to do research to see if this kind of surgery was for me. I went in to a seminar and found out all the different options that were available now a days. I looked into my insurance to find what I needed to do for them to cover me and I had everything ready to go by the time I had my first consultation with my doctor. My insurance only accepts bariatric centers of excellence to perform surgery is to be covered. There was only one in my city. I chose Dr Burpee to do my vertical sleeve. It was literally 1 month between the consultation and my surgery date. I didn't even tell my husband I was looking into this until I had all the appointments and everything in order and I wouldn't change anything. I started this journey at 250 pounds I'm currently 150 pounds. I am elated and have made the decision to gain my muscle back and muscle tone . I hope to be able to one day be a personal trainer specializing in bariatric patients. I want people to know that they are not alone and that they are people out there that want to be a support that have went through it themselves.

Forgot to mention my surgery date was July 28,2014

Sounds like you are doing great! I'm so glad for you that you are able to be happy and healthy again and I love your "pay it forward" attitude. I wish you the best of luck in achieving your goal of becoming a personal trainer.

wonderful