My name is Michelle. I am a mother of two teenagers, Shawn and Kimberly, both 18 years old.
As a child, my life was not pleasant. Actually, it was very difficult. When I became an adult, my solution for dealing with things was eating. I thought that my weight would keep people at a distance and make me invisible. If I were overweight, no one would hurt or see me. However, what I did not know was that it was killing me. Hypertension, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Degenerative Disc Disease, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, were just a few conditions I have been diagnosed with. Shopping, walking, cleaning and doing normal, everyday things were becoming very challenging. I would lose my breath and my chest, knees, back and legs would hurt. I had to sit, rest, and catch my breath often. At times, it was just easier sending someone to do my shopping and cleaning. I did not go out with my family and using the motorized chair at the grocery stores was out of the question, it would bring unwanted attention. I thought isolation was the solution to the difficulties I faced.
Fast forward to 2009. I had been dealing with and getting treatment for my past, the difficulties in my life and my health issues. I was starting to feel amazing emotionally and decided I wanted a life again. I wanted to work and advocate for individuals who had experienced mental illness. However, the weight that in the past was the solution for all of my difficulties in my life was now something I needed to deal with. I had tried many weight loss diets, fads, concoctions and over-the-counter pills. If everyone was trying it, I was too.
Weight loss surgery was the answer. I went on the internet and researched both Gastric Bypass and Gastric Banding. I decided that Gastric Banding was the answer. When I attended the Nix Weight Loss Surgery Center seminar, I knew I had found the right place. Everyone I met was friendly, professional, caring and very helpful. Every time I went in for one of my appointments, the staff treated me with respect and dignity, like a person. I felt like I was a VIP. I knew I was in the right place when I had to tell my doctor something and I thought that once he knew, he was going to tell me that he would not do the surgery. Courage is being scared of something and doing it anyway. I waited for him to say, “Are you crazy? I can’t or won’t do the surgery.” I held my breath and waited. Instead, Dr. Cárcamo asked me questions and I answered them all truthfully. I felt as if he had just lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. WOW! Now I knew this is the right place for me. Dr. Cárcamo worked with me on my journey to a new lifestyle and a new healthier me.
I had Gastric Band surgery on December 8, 2009. Prior to surgery, I weighed 300 pounds and I wore size 30W-32W clothes. I now weigh 230 pounds. I have lost about 70 pounds and five to six inches off my waist, arms, neck and thighs and I now wear size 22W. I can walk just a bit further without pain. I can stand a little longer. I can go shopping, walking and exercise now. Some chores are still a challenge, but for the most part, I have less pain. I can go out and enjoy a day with my family and friends. My blood pressure numbers are looking better every month. My sleeping patterns are improving. My overall health, just 1 ½ years after surgery, has increased my life by a couple of years. My journey to a healthier “ME” has just begun. I have a long way before I reach my goal, but as in any journey, there are roadblocks, detours, and breakdowns. I am happy to say I eat differently now, I do not diet anymore. Sometimes, on that special occasion, I will have a piece of chocolate or share a piece of cake.
“Life” (breakdowns, detours, etc.) happens to everyone and because of the amazing people at the Nix Weight Loss Surgery Center, I have people and resources in place to help me with anything that may show up on my journey. I am grateful for them all, from the front office, to the behind the scene personnel, patient advocates, Julie, Dr. Cárcamo and Dr. Wright. Because of them, I have tomorrows.
I was like a caterpillar waiting for my life to end. Now, I am a beautiful butterfly dancing from flower to flower. My name is Michelle, I just celebrated my 40th Birthday, and for the first time in many years, I am excited about my life.,/p>