Hello! Glad to have found you!
 

My name is Heather. I am a mom, wife and DJ. I live in a small town in Pennsylvania and deal daily with the stares and whispers because of my weight. I am 5' 4" tall and weigh 310 pounds. My weight wasn't a problem for me before. Then I started planning my wedding. Let me tell you....facing your weight and trying to find the perfect dress that doesn't make you look like a beached whale is tough! I started a serious diet. I had 7 months to lose as much as I could lose. I lost 20 pounds. Then a week before my wedding, I got sick. VERY sick. I was put on steriods. The weight came back. With a vengence! I got married weighing 5 pounds more than I originally started out! I was heart broken, but at least the dress fit! After I got better, I started the diet again and bounced around from diet to diet. Six months ago I found out I have sleep apnea. Severe sleep apnea. Then I found out that I have a faulty valve in my heart. It's from my weight. Once the weight disappears, the heart issues will disappear as well. I'd had enough. I am 34 years old. I am too young for this. I decided that I'd had enough and went to a seminar for Lap Band surgery. It's been my saving grace. I see the surgeon at the end of the month. I started the pre-approval diet a month ago. I've lost 4 pounds so far. I know I've put weight back on again (developed poison ivy and was put back on steriods), but I'm ok with that. I know I am doing the best I can to make myself healthy again. It'll be about 8 months before I can have my surgery. That's ok too. It gives me time to get my family ready for this life changing event! Anyway, that's my story! I hope to meet everyone and get {and give} some inspiration!

Heather:hug:

Hi Heather! Welcome to the forum!!!

I'm sure you are so excited for your upcoming surgery. I know that couldn't have been an easy decision for you.

Also congratulations on your recent wedding, too. You are going to love these boards. Visit daily to keep inspired and motivated.

Hello Heather and welcome to 3FC! :hug:

There's both a 300+ area and a WLS section where you can connect with others who've opted for surgery, and also others dealing with having a lot to lose. :) That's just to start. Post and participate wherever you're comfortable!

Glad to have you join us on your journey!