When I was born I weighed 5 pounds, small huh? From then on, I was the tubby one in the family. I am now 40 years old and had been heavy all my life.

I remember being in school, always sick on the days of gym class because I didn't want to participate due to lack of energy and I didn't want to wear shorts in front of the class. The gym teacher would always "compliment" me by saying, "For being heavy, you do a very good job!" What a compliment.........

I had tried every diet imaginable. I would lose weight when I was dieting, but as soon as I would start eating again, I would gain it all back plus more----uncontrollable!!

In February 2002 I started hearing lots of advertising for gastric bypass surgery. I set out to accomplish this and I did in November 2002. I had my surgery in Columbus, Ohio at the Bariatric Treatment Center performed by Dr. Choban. She is an excellent doctor! I was lucky--my insurance approved me the first time around with no questions asked.

I had my initial visit in August 2002, my insurance was approved in October, and my surgery was in November. It was all very fast. I was scared but it was something I really wanted to do. Some of my family and friends were against it, but of course, they were the ones that have never had a weight problem.

The day of my surgery I weighed 280 pounds and I wore a size 24-26. Today, 22 months later, I wear a size 6-8. It's wonderful to go shopping and to be able to buy clothes that are in style and in the "regular size" section instead of having to go to the plus sizes and out-of-style clothes. And just to have the energy to go shopping is great!!

I never had any problems following surgery. I just followed the guidelines and it worked!! I have lots of energy now and I have much more confidence in myself. I have some loose skin that needs taken care of--trying to win the lottery to take care of that! But, with clothes on, it's not noticeable. I am now trying to get my daughter approved somehow for the surgery but her insurance is making her go through "hoops" that shouldn't have to be for this disease!

If this is something you are trying to make a decision about, "Go for it!" It's the best thing I have every done for myself!

Sherrie Boudinot
Albany, Ohio

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