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Patti's Story: From the Beginning Through 2003 I grew up in a fairly normal family of five, I have 2 older brothers and I am the only girl and the youngest. My brothers think that I was spoiled, but I didn't believe them, I think maybe they were jealous, (smile). I want to share with you, my journey and some of the emotional turmoil that I experienced growing up... I can remember thinking that I was fat at the age of 5. I didn't want to have my picture taken because of it. I have always thought of myself as overweight and suffered with very low self-esteem. I would do anything to have a friend, which brought me a lot of problems as I grew up. The friends that I did make at school would let me play with them, but I always felt like an outsider. I grew up in a small town that didn't even have a high school. When we went to High School, we were bused to the neighboring town. I didn't have any boyfriends in school because I thought I was homely and fat. (I weighed about 210 lbs) The fact was... I thought I was fatter than I was, I played basketball, was in marching band, and in track. As I got a little older I became more promiscuous, trying to feel like I was equal to others and somewhat attractive. Needless to say I have tried every diet known to mankind. When I was 16, (in the 70's) I went to a place called The Schick Center, it was where they would try "aversion therapy" to make me hate foods that were bad for me. This included shock treatments and eating food that was already spit out. That was very gross, So I decided that I had an aversion to Schick instead, (smile) I am a 3 time looser at "Weight Watcher's". I went there for the 1st time when I was in 6th grade. I forgot to tell you that I have been on diets since I was 8 years of age. :"Jenny Craig", I should have bought stock in that company. The 1st time I went there I lost 40 lbs. The food costs for me were about $100.00 a week. It took 4 months to loose that 40 lbs. and over $1,600. That was an expensive diet, just to gain it back, when I quit going there. But foolish as I was, I went back a time or two, trying to loose that same 40 lbs. I tried everything, Dr. Atkins, Carb Diets, calorie diets, protein diets, liquid diets, therapy, T-factor diet, Oprah's diet, Herbal life, Metabalife, phen-phen diet, protein liquid diet, powder protein with lots of vitamins diet. Let's not forget the Diet Pills diet, the only thing diet pills (speed) did for me is make me eat faster. I just wanted to let you know that am I qualified to say... DIETS DONT WORK! I can't begin to tell you how much money that I or my family has spent on trying to become a normal healthy size. I missed out on many things that were very important to me because of being overweight and having low-self esteem. I never went to my High School Prom, didn't date anyone one in school, never married, and never had children. Thanks to my doctors I have an opportunity to enjoy the second half of my life. I plan to achieve goals, take trips, and see the world. I can't have children now, but I can do everything else that is important to me. I thank God everyday for helping me, and guiding me to a foreign doctor in a foreign land. My trip to Mexico Well, I have to tell you... I was a little nervous about going to Mexico for an operation. I am a hairdresser, and all the doctors and nurses tried to talk me out of going. I want you to know... I thank God every day for making a way for me to go there. The doctor's office picked me up at the airport in Monterrey and brought me to the hospital. Contrary to popular belief, the hospital was very clean and sanitary. I cant begin to tell you how kind the staff was. The nurses work very hard to make sure that you dont need a thing. The doctors, Wow... They would come and sit with me and my Mom. The doctors saw me sometimes twice a day, and talk to me for long periods of time. I felt that I was their only patient at times. I truly felt safe and was reassured during my entire visit. I want to mention something about the surgery.... The lapband procedure only takes about 30-45 minutes under anesthesia. (This lowers a lot of health risks, in the operating room) I had some other health problems that had to be addressed during the operation (hernia repair for one) I am so greatful to the doctor and his team for saving my life. Now that I have been to Mexico for surgery, I know that I will go back for any future procedures that I may need (tummy tuck, etc.) Back home in the States I was glad to get home, to see my family and friends. I couldn't wait to tell them about my trip. Everyone was impressed with the care I got in Mexico. The incisions that were made, were very small. (unlike the gastric by-pass, that leaves you with a "zipper" like scar). My food has changed, I eat much smaller portions, and get full, pretty quick. I probably should eat a little healthier... The main thing I do is... I eat protein first, vegetables second, bread third, then if I still want something I will share a dessert with someone. I dont really eat too much of the wrong foods because I get full before I get to the bread. The most exciting thing to me, so far is, that I dont ever feel like I am "dieting". I never have that feeling of depravation. I actually feel like a normal human being with the same privileges that "thin" people have. I will keep you posted as I change through out 2003. I have lost 80 lbs so far, that is the most I ever lost at one time. I know and am encouraged by other people that have had the lapband surgery. I thank God every day, for showing me a different choice (lapband Vs gastric by-pass). If you have any questions about this procedure, feel free to e-mail me. I will keep you updated, and the pictures will come as I get smaller. If you have any questions about this procedure, feel free to contact me. |
