Introducing.... Me

 

My name is Brittany. I am 20 years old. I was born and raised in California, but moved here to Alabama last June after graduating High School. I have been over-weight my whole life. I think it started when I was around 3. (looking at baby pictures) I was never really "chubby" I was just always....fat. I started high school at almost 300lbs, and by the time I finished I was at 440. Here I am now, at my heaviest, (485) . I have tried numbeous diets and programs from the time I was 13. I had been on anti-depressants because of the weight since I was 12. (I have been off of them since March of this year. YAY) My weight has just always been something that I have struggled with. I've known about weight loss surgery for quite sometime now. My mother had it back 8 years ago, and she has still managed to keep the weight off. My step-dad had his done the following year after hers, but his didn't go over all so well - So I have seen the goods and bads about the surgery and I know what I am getting myself into. 

I have accepted the fact that I am at a point in my life that I alone cannot yet the weight off. I need this surgery and I want it more than anything. I know if I wok hard enough, there isn't a doubt in my mind that I can be successful in this. I am sick of waiting around for my life to start, for things to get better - but in reality, things wont get better unless I make them better. So here I am. It is no longer just me talking about it, I am doing it. I am starting once again to diet. I am going to my appointments, I am working hard to have this surgery so that I can enjoy my life. So I can finally Live. I plan on starting college next fall (after surgery) It has always been a dream of mine to go into teaching, and it's something I really have my heart set on. 

Things that I have accomplished so far. 
-Getting up and making a change in my life. (Starting the surgery process)
-Learning how to channel all the negativity in my life into something positive. ( I started writing again and whenever I get down or discouraged, I focus on my writing.)
-I set a goal. 


~
I know what I want. I know where I want to go with my life. & I finally have the drive and motivation to try and make it happen. I am doing this for me. So I can finally be happy with myself. 

Welcome Brittany!  You sound like you've got it together!  Have you started the process?  Picked a surgeon?  Going the insurance route?

We are here to help-the AL board has some amazing folks!

Kim

 I have a surgeon. Vincent Garner (I think that's how you spell his name)
I have been seeing a therapist for a few months now, but we're actually starting our part in the process starting our next appointment, as well as starting the normal doctor's part in documenting my diet progress. 

Hi Britt,

I am Debbie and I had my surgery back in 2002.  I was pushing 350 and it looked BAD on me as I am a shortie.  I might be 5'4" but 350 pounds on 5'4" looks like 500 pounds.  My breathing was horrible.  I couldn't climb steps, I couldn't sing, I would talk but had to catch my breath often.  Going to the bathroom was getting very difficult. I could go but the cleaning part was getting harder and harder - the same with the shower.  I couldn't take baths - only showers.  I had high blood pressure and my life was just very sad.  I was very unhappy and alone.  My husband passed away in 1999.  I had no self esteem and held my head down when I was in a group of people.  Having surgery in 2002 saved my life....saved my sanity...and gave me back a reason to live.  You are doing the right thing.  Do it while you are young and learn from your mistakes.  You will have times when you just have to drink a coke again.  Don't let that one failure throw you for a loop.  Just get back up and determine that you are going to do what you are supposed to do. 

Please come back and make sure you keep us up to date on the surgery process.

Hi Brittany,

It is so nice to "meet" you.  It looks like we will be taking this journey together.  If everything goes as planned, my surgery should be scheduled for mid-January. 

I am very proud of you for taking this step toward improving your life.  I personally cannot wait!

Hope to see you on this board often.  There are lots of great people and really helpful information here.

Kim

Hi Brittany.  I am so glad you are here.  We will go with you through your journey if you will allow us to.  I had my surgery in 2004 so I am over 6 years out.  I have had a regain of about 40 pounds but am working on getting that back off.

My job is crazy so if I do not post as much some days as others it is because of that, not because I am ignoring anyone.  Just hold on and I SHALL return!!!

Hello Brittany,
Welcome to Alabama and congratulations on taking the necessary steps toward good health.
 

Feel free to ask any questions that you might have. There is not much, if anything, that is off limits.

I hope your weight loss journey is filled with many WOW moments.

Hello Brittany.  Hope you have a smooth journey to WLS.  Even if it isn't it is so very much worth the fight to get there!! 

 Thank you all for your warm welcome :)

Hi Brittany :) Im Hilary! nice to meet you!

Im 25 and had the surgery almost 5 years ago. I was 21 when i had the surgery (my birthday is august, surgery in november). You can do this!! We'll be here along the way for support!!!
I started my journey at almost 300lbs. Day of surgery i was 280. I lost 115lbs. fast forwarda few years later and i started gaining back. Im on the track to losing again. Its not as easy as the first go around and i wish i had followed guidelines 110%.

Anywho welcome to the board!!