My story will sound familiar. It is a story of yo-yo dieting and the constant frustration of never being able to maintain a normal weight. Being heavy as a child was bad enough. Being obese as an adult has really taken a toll on me as a person. It has touched every aspect of life including the relationship with family and friends and most importantly, the relationship with myself.
I mentioned to my husband the possibility of surgery. For a year and a half, he said no because he feared the risks were too great. But he did not live in my shoes. I don't think I could have gone through one more failed diet. In August of 2001, my husband and I attended a weight loss surgery seminar that helped ease many of his concerns. From then on, he supported me in my goal of permanent weight loss. God answered my prayers when Dr. Blackstone signed on with my health plan. I can remember my first appointment with her on Nov. 5, 2001. She genuinely seemed concerned for me and told me that she could give me a tool to help change my life. By the end of the month, I was approved to have the surgery.
Jennifer Flanagan-AfterDr. Blackstone's first support group meeting was just days later. It took place in a small conference room with eight of us in attendance. When I left the meeting, I was ready for surgery even though I still had a month to go. Between all of the pre-op tests and the holidays, time just flew by. The next thing I knew, it was time for surgery. Suddenly this was real.
After the procedure, I began my recovery at home. I made sure I was diligent in following the doctor's orders. I "worked the program" by drinking water, eating protein and taking vitamins. Above all, working out in the gym helped me to stay motivated and see the results of the surgery that much earlier. Five days a week, I diligently worked out with weights and did cardio exercises. The benefits paid off. My body-fat percentage dropped, my muscle tone greatly improved and I felt fit for the first time in my life.
On June 17 everything I worked so hard for came together. This was the day my parents were going to see me, not having a clue that I lost 103 lbs. When my mother and father picked us up from the airport, they saw John and kept looking for me. I was just 4 feet behind him. My father gave me a long bear hug while my mother barely being able to stand just stared at me with her mouth open. John needed to help her sit down before she started crying. Then I started crying. My parent's reaction made everything I went through worth it.
Today, on Oct. 23, 2002, I cried again, for I have reached my goal weight. As I have already mentioned, obesity touched many parts of my life. One very personal aspect was my strong desire to become a mother. We experienced infertility problems and disappointments for years. That was one thing I didn't want to imagine – being childless. Thankfully, on Aug. 7, 2003, my life changed forever when I gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Aidan Patrick. He is the joy of my life and the completion of our beautiful family.
With the love and support of my husband, my journey was complete. I can't imagine what the rest of my life will be like, but because of the surgery, I will have many more years to live.
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