My name is Jennifer, I am 32, and I weigh 168 pounds right now. To many people that may not be something special, but it is incredible to me. See 19 months ago I weighed 429 pounds. That’s right, 429 pounds. I had Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and the list goes on and on.

I tried everything, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Nutri-System, you name it, I tried it. I was a regular sized baby, a chunky kid, a fat teenager, and a morbidly obese adult, according to my doctor’s chart. It was so hurtful, picking up my own doctor’s file and seeing those 2 words, “morbidly obese.”

Well, after many years of contemplating, and dieting and gaining, and dieting and gaining, and loosing money, I became severely depressed, and turned to drugs. I became an addict of many drugs. But by the grace of God, I overcame my addiction, and have been off drugs for 8 1/2 years.

Than in January of 2003 I decided to take the final step in making myself healthy. I went to an information session on open RNY gastric bypass surgery, and did everything my insurance called for.  June 2, 2003 I had an open RNY performed by Dr. Robert Cooney at Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pa. He is an amazing doctor and Hershey Medical is an amazing hospital. I had great care!

In October of 2004, I had my panniculectomy and hernia repair done, and as of this morning, I weigh 168 pounds. I no longer have diabetes, or high blood pressure. I have never been so happy or so healthy. If I had to do this all over again, I would do it in a minute!!

I had no complications from surgery, and I have the best support in the world, between my fiancee, my mother, and my support group "New Dimensions" from Hershey Medical Center. They are the best feet I can get when I need that extra kick in the butt!!

Also, I want to take a moment to thank Barbara Thompson. Your book and your newsletters are a HUGE inspiration!! All, I want to say is thank you to God for keeping me healthy, my fiancee for standing by me through rough times and my mom for being my "Angel." And to New Dimensions from Hershey Pa, “You guys are the best!”

Jennifer Smith

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