My Story
Growing up, I didn't have a weight problem. I was athletic and played volleyball in high school. (West Virginia State Champs in 1985!) As I got older, I stopped playing sports except for bowling twice a week. I started eating more, drinking more, and as a result, I had to keep buying bigger clothes. I got up to a size 30 for pants.

Then I went to a seminar on lap-band surgeries with my sister. We both left wanting the surgery. I had been heavy for many years, but I was the healthiest fat girl you’ve ever met. I had none of the typical ailments that obese people normally experience. No diabetes, no blood pressure problems, no cholesterol, etc.

But because of my size, I was turning down opportunities to travel around the country for work. I was very uncomfortable on airplanes. I was starting to get very anxious--not about flying, but about the seating. I always prayed that I was next to a kid or small adult so that I would fit better. The seatbelts were too small for me, but I wasn't about to ask for an extension. I’d always put my jacket across my lap so that the flight attendants wouldn’t see that I didn’t have a seatbelt on.

I finally had my surgery on September 12. I was in and out in four hours. I felt great afterwards. The only bad part was the gas. They have to pump gas into your stomach for the surgery and afterwards, the gas makes you feel like you're having a heart attack.

For the first week after the surgery, I could only have liquids. Now I eat three four-ounce meals a day which are all high in protein. It takes me an entire day to eat a chicken breast. Also, you have to cut your food into small pieces and really chew it, otherwise you will get sick.

Before the surgery, I would go to a restaurant and eat an order of six chicken fingers, crinkle fries, coleslaw and a big honkin' piece of Texas toast. Now I can only eat one chicken finger and two fries. It's saved me a lot of money. The first time I went through the drive thru and my order only came to $2, I was shocked. I was used to ordering $20 worth of food just for myself.
 
I started working out, too. I go to water aerobics twice a week with my sister and niece. I want my daughter to start coming too. My husband and sister's husbands are starting to come to the gym and lift weights while we do aerobics, so it's been a positive influence on our family.

Now, two months after my surgery, I've lost 40 pounds and I went from size 30 to size 26 pants. I actually took a flight this past weekend and I was able to fit much more comfortably in the seat. On one leg of the flight, I tried the seatbelt and was able to latch it! Just barely, but it still latched.

 I have many more pounds to go, but I am excited about the journey and am dedicated to getting the weight off and jet-setting all over the place! I can’t wait!