Before and After Lap-Band with Meg
February 9, 2016Celebrating Meg's Journey Before and After Lap-Band!
Being overweight during my childhood was the reason I went into teaching. I wanted to make sure that children grew up with a strong sense of self-confidence. I wanted to instill in them that even when they battled something, they would know that they had a great deal to offer.
It's hard to deal with the teasing that comes along with being a child that is overweight or obese. Those words never leave you, but I knew I could take what happened to me and turn it into something positive. I often share some of my memories with my students, and I know it helps them to build empathy.
Before and After Lap-Band WLS
Weight Loss Total: 100 pounds
Surgery Type: Lap-Band in February 2014
Surgeon: Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding
Meeting Dr. Ren was such a privilege. I left her office knowing I wanted to do this surgery. I loved knowing that I could be in and out on the same day that I had the surgery and that the recovery wasn't anything long term.
My journey has been a positive one. I've lost 100lbs since having my Lap-Band surgery two years ago and still have about 20 more pounds to go. I miss some foods, but that's the emotional piece that will always be there with me. Having a healthier sense of portion control, making better food choices, and becoming active have been incredible gifts.
I've learned that the motto, "Taking it day by day," is a necessity.
Although I tend to be a person that likes to have everything planned out, I know that every day is different, and I need to take the time to recognize my accomplishments. When I have a setback, I learn from it. I don't allow it to ruin the hard work I've put in. I didn't put on the weight overnight, and I'm not going to lose it quickly. It has been worth the wait so far, and I'm excited to see what other achievements I make.
My Favorite Milestones & Non-Scale Victories
One milestone has been the ability to walk into any store and try on a piece of clothing that FITS! I still have a hard time "seeing" myself in a different size, but it's an incredible feeling to pull something off the rack, try it on, and it fits! For the past several years, I had to buy a lot of clothes online, or from stores that are for larger people. The choices are limited, which doesn't make the experience that much fun. I'm now enjoying the chance to go to places I was never able to shop in before.
Share your Before & After Success!
Do you have Before & Afters, special milestones and non-scale victories from your journey that you’d like to share? The OH team wants to hear from you! Visit our Before & After Submission page for details.
