Drue W.
I am 54 years old and have been very heavy since I was 9 or 10. I weighed 170 in high school and then up from there. I have tried (haven't we all) most everything including therapy to lose weight and have lost many pounds several times but have been unable to keep the pounds off. And, of course, I never stop where I left off so just keep gaining more. For as long as I can remember, I have had doctors telling me that I need to lose weight and all of the bad things that would happen if I didn't. Well, all of the bad things are now happening. Diabetes is now insulin dependent and was diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. All of my immediate family died of heart disease. My father at 49, my mother at 35 and my sister at 55. About the only thing I have going for me is that I have never smoked and they all did. My doctors now are all very supportive of my having lap band surgery. They don't think it is too late for me and neither do I. I am looking forward to this on so many levels in addition to extending my life expectancy. Feeling better, being able to do more of the things that I enjoy (see interests) and wearing regular clothes. I spend a great deal of time on this site looking at the before and after photos and I find them truly inspiring. Thank you so much for your willingness to post them. And thanks for all of the other posts as well.
