My weight loss journey started years ago as I have been obese most of my life. In 2009 I was diagnosed with diabetes along with other health conditions that was only making my life miserable and preventing me from enjoying what life has to offer. So, I decided to look into Weight Loss Surgery (WLS). With topping the scales at 400 lbs. and wearing a size 46-48 paints I decided to have WLS. On August 5, 2009 I went into surgery and had the LapBand placed. I did enjoy weight loss and somewhat of a better life. However, since the day I had WLS I suffered from the side effects of the LapBand and it did cause some issues but I was thankful and happy for the weight loss achieved. On January 25, 2014 I was admitted to the hospital with a 104 fever and coughing up blood. After days of test and medical exams there was no hope given to me from the medical staff. I had a PICC line inserted and was placed in powerful medication to fight anything and everything. My right lung had collapsed with the upper and middle lobe damaged. I had several procedures done on my lungs to find out the issues. Nothing could be found so I was discharged home on Hospice to literally die. However, I was NOT accepting that answer and applied to the Mayo Clinic. This was my only hope and I felt as if God had given me a lifeline. After meeting with the doctors at the Mayo Clinic and months of testing I was finally given an answer. The LapBand had malfunctioned and caused my lung and esophagus to become damaged. On August 5, 2014 I was taken to surgery which lasted 14 hours as the doctors were unsure of what damage they would find internally. Today I feel better and healthier as I am about 110 pounds lighter and I am now wearing a size 30 waist. However, I do want to stress that I did not have WLS for cosmetic issues but for medical purposes. My diabetes are now gone and the blood pressure is more stable. I still have issues with my esophagus and right lung but this is improving with time. In the end with my will of wanting to live and with the help of WLS I am now living life. I chose to live, I chose to fight, and I chose not to stop and every battle I have faced since 2009 has been well worth it. Many people have asked me if WLS was worth dying or the issues I faced. My answer is YES! God does not give us more than we can handle and this was a battle he gave me. So, my message of hope is to never stop and never give up! Keep moving and you will achieve your goal just as I have!

Welcome! Your story is both heart-breaking and amazing. It is certainly a testament to your strong will and perseverance to survive. I am still pre-op myself and your journey gives me hope for my own WLS future. Thank you for sharing and good luck with your continued recovery!

Thanks so much for sharing your inspirational story! I am so sorry that your road was so rough. How scary to have gone through what you have.

You have an incredibly positive attitude and your story clearly shows how you used that to survive!

Congratulations on reaching your goals. I wish you a very long and healthy life!

Thanks so much for reading my story and for the reply's of hope and inspiration!