Hi, my name is Linda and have been a member for some while, yet had never used this forum to introduce myself. So here we go........ :thumbup:

I had my bariatric surgery on April 23, 2008. I have always been heavy, but didnt reach my worst until the end of 2007. I had put on over 50 pounds in that last year; taking my weight to 266 on a 5'1 frame. I was going thru some deep depression and I just stopped caring.

I couldnt find steady employment, my bf was being very abusive, so we broke up, and the meds I was taking for my depression caused a desire for sweets! Just what I needed, huh??

Anyway, in the fall of 2007, my ankles started swelling up grotesquely and my knees were hurting so bad. I decided to go to my personal physician to see what he could do about my knees.

I have been with that dr for over 15 years and he has seen my weight and depression through the years and he was very concerned. He said that if I didnt do something to get the weight off FAST, I would need knee replacement surgery or be in a wheel chair within 5 years. I wasnt even 40!

He recommended bariatric surgery. I met with a bariatric surgeon in October of 2007 and he recommended the lapband. He gave me a list of specialists to see before he would even consider the surgery. It took me until March of the following year to get all of my tests done, and they all came back saying I was in perfect health! Funny that I was so darn huge, and my insides were blind to it! My dad said that was good, so I would recover from the surgery better, but if I didnt have the surgery, it would only be a matter of time before things went ugly.

I was fortunate in that the insurance company approved my request the first time around. I had my surgery in Lubbock TX by a surgeon that did wonderful work, but had a horrible disposition. Everytime I went for a check up, I left in tears. He also refused to put any Fluid in my band unless we did it under floroscopy; which my insurance wouldnt pay for. On my last visit to his office, I asked why, and he said he didnt make enough money doing it in the office. Office visit=$60. Floroscopy=$800. HE SAID THAT TO ME!

Soon after I changed drs. I now see a surgeon in El Paso TX who does the fills in his office. I didnt get a fill for 6 months after my surgery, so I am kind of behind in my journey. ....but all that said, I am on my way!

The lapband makes me work for my loss... which is slow going, but natural. It's going to be a long, and at times, extremely difficult journey towards a healthier me.

I have setbacks sometimes, and as much as some people say it was an easy way out, it has been far from easy. It's hard work, but it will definately be worth it.

I have come to realize that no matter how much weight I lose or how healthy I may become, I will always be a fat girl inside. It's part physical, but mostly mental. I love food. Especially sweets.

Since this all began, I have secured a wonderful job with a company that supports my new healthier lifestyle. I was a temp when this started in 2007 and they hired me on the day I had my surgery so they could pay me while I was recouperating for three weeks! They also pay for a gym membership (which I thoroughly take advantage of!). I couldnt ask for a better place to work. I long ago gave up on that rotton guy and am enjoying learing to live for me. I'm no one's doormat anymore and it feels sooooooo good! I still take medication for my depression, but i'm living now!

I've only lost 63.5 pounds to date, but I feel so incredibly better! My knees still hurt some, but nothing like last year. I can tie my own shoes (last year all I could get my fat swollen feet into was sandals!), fit into a seat on an airplane without asking for an extention, climb bleachers at school events (I use to have to sit on the bottom row becuase thats as far as I could climb), and look at myself with some pride. Its been a long time since I could do that!

My friends and family have been VERY supportive and I feel so incredibly fortunate to be given this chance to change my life for the better; for my daughters, as well as myself.

Wow, Linda, that's quite an inspirational introduction! You've made so many positive changes in your life, and I'm so impressed by the company you work for. What a difference between your before and after picture too. Congratulations on all you've achieved, and I wish you continued success!!

Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Glad to see you are bettering your health and life. Good luck to you, keep up the great work!

Congrats on losing the weight! Your story is very inspirational. I, too, suffer from depression and the medication makes me hungry. I have lost and gained and lost and gained. My problem is my husband. He really doesn't want me to have this surgery. I have had a very rough year but am doing very well at present. Every night at dinner I have to listen to all the reasons why I shouldn't have this surgery. He says I'm stronger now and will be able to keep the weight off. That story's been done over and over again. I'm done! I want this badly. You inspired me to keep on! Thanks and welcome! :thumbup: