Recipes

Success Stories

When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I have struggled with weight all my life.  The turning point for me in getting serious was when I overheard another child tell my son “Your mom is so fat”.  Kids have a hard enough time without added pressure and I didn’t want to do that to my kids.  I also had sleep apnea and slept with a CPAP machine and was prediabetic along with having trouble with my blood pressure.  I had trouble with my hips, knees, ankles, and had a hard time walking or getting up off the floor when I played with the kids.  The last 3 years I was overweight, the only shoes I could wear were Crocs.  Not real stylish.  I had tried every diet program under the sun and  had a difficult time with them because you had to eat so much. I am a busy Mom and was operating a daycare out of my home at the time.

At what point did you decide to move forward with the surgery?
My neighbor told me about the lapband surgery, so I did some research and thought it was the best option for me.  I had very poor eating habits to say the least, so I thought this would help.  I tried eating only once a day because I thought the less I ate, the quicker I would lose weight.  But as soon as the last daycare kid left I would eat until I went to bed...I knew I needed help. 

How was the recovery process?
I had my surgery on February 1, 2007 and have had no regrets at all.  My surgery was done on a Thursday and I had daycare kids back the next Monday morning.  My Mom stayed for a week to lift kids for me but that was the only hindrance.  After that I was pretty much back to my regular self.

How has the surgery changed your daily life?
The lapband has given me my life back.  I no longer have sleep apnea and my blood pressure and sugar are within the normal range.  I now eat small, healthy meals with the lap band where before I went without eating and then binged.  As far as a fitness routine after the surgery, I am now a nanny to a set of 9-month old twins and their 4 year old sister plus I have three children of my own.  For me, my exercise is just keeping up with these kids!  Be it a walk to the park or playing in the backyard, it keeps me active and helps me stay in shape. 

Do you have any advice to others who are in a similar situation?
My advice to anyone wanting to lose weight...don’t give up.  If something fails, try something else.  Whatever you do, just keep trying.  It’s well worth it!!