After a lifetime of weight gain and frustration, I decided to go for the lapaband surgery. My blood pressure and cholesterol were both elevated and I felt old and out of shape. At 5ft.5inches I was over 260 pounds when the surgery was performed.

My recovery was quick and relatively painless. I has some nausea from the anesthesia but that quickly passed and I started walking for exercise right away. I was surprised how weight started dropping slowly but steadily. I didnt have an appetite for quite a while and actually had to remind myself to eat. I went back to work and decided to find a gym to work out safely in. I hired a personal trainer who began to work with me and encourage me to move safely and reshape my body. With my diet changing and my new exercise plan I began to change totally!

I have had my Lap Band adjusted 2 times in the year following the surgery . I have continued to count calories and watch my protein intake to make sure I am getting enough. I take multivitamins and calcium supplements as well. But my cholesterol dropped to a safe level and my blood pressure meds were lowered. I started wearing smaller clothes ( from a 26 to a 12-14) and I continued going to the gym 4x a week. I run on the treadmill, use the elliptical, weights and stability ball to get an all around workout.

After a year I can't believe I am the same person! My doctor is pleased with my progress, my trainer enourages me to continue my workouts, and my family adn friends are amazed at my results. I feel more confident and proud of my new success. I am trying to reach a weight loss of 100 pounds but in little steps. But I do know that this is the best decision I made.