In December of 2009 I made the decision that I had to change my life. I decided to take the journey of lifestyle change and begin a new chapter in my life. As an adolescent, teenager, and young adult, I struggled with weight and low self esteem daily. I thought that I would punch the next person who told me that "Angela, you have such a pretty face..." I heard enough of that and decided that I wanted to be healthy. Knowing that I was getting winded by simply running the sweeper or walking up and down steps, not having a bath towel fit around me, my stomach hitting the steering wheel of my car, my children drawing big circles for bodies and saying mommy its you, not being able to bend over...these were the reasons why I needed to change my life. June 2, 2010 was the happiest and scariest day of my life: The day I had my bariatric surgery and received the lap band. I was scared because I knew this was it...I had to change...no looking back...I was happy because this was it...I was going to change and there is no looking back. With the struggles throughout my life being teased by others, being embarrassed of the way I looked, hating the way I felt. I WAS READY. I tried everything from Formu-3; Weight Watchers, Herbalife, Xenadrine, Atipex...you name it I tried it. It may have worked for a minute, but the weight always came back. I was determined to make the changes I needed to make. When you are ready, change comes easier. I was an emotional eater, I needed to change that. I needed to find other ways to channel those feelings. So I did. I don't eat anymore when I am happy, sad, angry, upset...being 100% Italian doesn't make any of this any easier. I am not going to say there are not days when I want to stick my face into a Whopper or Big Mac...but I know today where that will get me. Right back to 226...a number that I will never let myself see again. I was addicted to food, just like others are addicted to drugs. When you are ready for change, change will happen. This is a lifetime commitment, a lifetime change, a behavior change, a food change...a change I can happily and confidently say was the best thing I ever did. Lap Band was the the final tool in my belt to give me what I needed to be successful. I listened to the dietitian...for the first time in my life...I remember everything she said to me...I tell others what she said to me...I practice what I was told about eating and chewing and not drinking while I eat. It all came together like pieces of a puzzle. My puzzle will never be complete as each day that goes by adds another piece...another successful day of change. Today, I am proud to say I weigh 130 pounds. I have never felt healthier in my life. I am so much more energetic, I enjoy looking in the mirror (maybe too much), I can keep up with my children who enjoy me so much more...and my relationship with my husband is so much better. He loves me regardless, but his smile is bigger and the hugs are tighter. I know it is different for him just like it is different for me. I had support from my family which was huge, as they seen me struggle every day. I am happy to say I am happy with me today.
Thank you to Hope Bariatrics, all the staff and Dr. Wilcox especially, for helping me change my life. None of this would have been possible with all of you and the confidence you instilled in me along my life changing journey!!!
