Short Bio:

Well I have been married to my husband for 25 years. I started gaining weight about 8 years into our marriage. So for about 18 years I have fought being obese. Then my daughter was diagnosed with a rare life-threatening infection that turned our lives upside down. I started eating my way through the stress and depression from fighting with Doctors, Hospitals, insurance and insurance companies

The Weight Gain:

I felt that I never fit in with my family (Husband and two daughters. They were all fit and I couldn't stop thinking that everyone around me was thinking while we were out in public “Why is he with her???”. I couldn't enjoy simple affection from my husband. When he would put his arm around me or try to hold my hand I would cringe the entire time because I thought everyone around me was judging me. I remember sitting at a softball game my husband was coaching and I couldn't even focus because I was so paranoid that everyone was looking at me. I was the misfit. I had made the decision to accept that I was going to be overweight and miserable for the rest of my life.

The Moment of Change:

I was going though all the insurance stuff with my daughter and within this period realized I had an opportunity to possibly have surgery . Everyone was against it , including my husband who I didn’t tell until I had to go to my overnight sleep study appointment. I made a decision that it was either now or never. My husband was scared for me and didn’t even speak to me for two weeks but I did it because I felt it was my last chance.

A New Life:

I didn’t realize how much I missed the affection from my husband. I had forgotten what it felt like to be touched, even in the most simple way like holding my hand or putting his arm around me. A while after surgery he reached over and put his are around me and I felt this jolt of electricity shoot through my body . It was as if I were a teenager again and all of the emotions and affections were re-awakened. It was crazy and it’s been like that ever since. I’m skateboarding with my daughter now, I go hiking with friends every weekend! I’m going to be learning how to surf with my family this weekend. This is something they all have been doing all along.

The Reward:

Living an active life style that I finally get to be a part of. I have lost a total of 100lbs.