If you are worried... please read my story

[fluttershy]

My highest weight was 417 lbs. I was a confidant "Fat Girl" on the outside, but inside I suffered from low self esteem and my body was falling apart. I had type II Diabetes, some Lymphadema in my right leg, and sleep apnea with slight asthma. I could not walk up a flight of stairs without being winded. I would still do it, but I hated those stairs. I called it forced exercise. I would park in the closest space outside any store I was going to. I drank soda like water, and I could have been a sponsor for McDonald's. My whole life was sedentary, and while half the time I spent wishing I could die, the other half worried that I would die in my sleep every single night.

I'm not at my goal yet, I'm still far from it... but I weigh 278 lbs (March 22, 2011). UPDATE: 229 lbs Nov 12, 2011 This is from my VSG surgery on October 22,2010. I weighed 353 lbs on my Surgery day.

Many of you will never know what 417 lbs feels like. Some of you know what much more is. But, we all find a point where our weight is at it's limit, and there is something we need to do to change our lives. My 417 lbs could be your 243 lbs. We're all parallel in that way.

I can share with you, that I truly went to bat for surgery. When it was my time to have it, I wasn't afraid. I knew that if I wanted to live, and find my path through life, that my surgery needed to be a part of it. I waited for my "scared feelings" to surface, and they never did. My morning of surgery was like feeling like a newborn. I put my faith in my surgeon and let go.

My whole focus was moving my body as much as I could through those hallways after I was placed in my room. I sat in my chair instead of the bed much of the time, and I walked the halls. The next few weeks were a challenge, but I knew that I was changing my life each and every single day.
(I still am).

My year-anniversary is on Oct 22nd. I do not weigh 417 lbs. I no longer weigh 400 lbs, 350 lbs, 300 lbs, or 250 lbs Can you believe that???
I am no longer a diabetic. My right leg is not swollen anymore. I can walk up a flight of stairs, and not be miserable. I don't need to park close to the store anymore. It's been over 1 year since I've had a soda... and you know what? McDonald's stock must have went down, because I AM MISSING IN ACTION.

I'm not 150 lbs. I don't know if I'll ever get there. It's not even my goal. I'm going to be happy if I make 199 lbs and see what goes from there. But, I do know one thing... every day I am in control of my life, and I am making progress and change.

My best advice is to educate yourself as much as you can regarding your personal surgery. Be very positive and open minded. Be kind to yourself and your body, and know that a million little steps will take you anywhere your dreams desire.

I know that you can make your dreams come true. If you need a hand to hold. I will be there.








~Allie

[tniagirl]

Allie~Thanks for sharing your amazing story. Beautiful! I laughed at the McDonald's line. How will they stay open? LOL! I also gave up Diet Cokes 2 weeks before my surgery. I thought I was going to die. HA! I haven't even thought about them since my sleeve. (2 weeks ago today) I am too busy working to drink the swimming pool of water I'm required each day.
Keep up the great work!

[vsgram]

Your story has brought me a lot of peace today with my decision to have VSG. Thank you so much for sharing your feelings, emotions, and courage!

[MoreFitDiane]

WOW Allie! WOW! What a beautiful, inspiring story you have to share! Thank you. You are doing fabulous girl! Keep up the good work...I am so impressed! Bless you.

[astrid101359]

Allie, thank you so very much for sharing your story. What an inspiration you are. I feel like printing out what you wrote as a reminder to myself of how strong you are and how strong I can be.

[laniesmom]

Allie,
With the willpower you are showing I see 150 or less in you future. It is amazing your journey

[gretchdb]

Allie, thanks for sharing you are so right, we all have our paths to follow with so many things in common and having this site to share on and be supported and to support each other is so important and such a blessing. I have some great family and friends backing me up as well. My mom whom I have such a strained relationship with my whole life even told me on the phone today she was behind me knowing that I tried on my own but because of my physical disabilities I just need another tool to help me. So I am not scared either. I want my life and this will give it back to me.

[Michael]

Thank you so much for your incredibly inspiring testimony. I identified with every one of your feelings, and felt that you spoke for us all. May God bless you as you continue to improve day by day.

Michael

[sherrimarina]

Thank you Thank you Thank you....I get sleeved in 2 days...Thank you!
Sherri

[tls]

You are so awesome!! You should be so, so, so proud of yourself! You about had me in tears.. I identify with what you wrote. You are such a wonderful example for everyone here. I look forward to learning more of your journey as it comes.
Congratulations!! I hope that others can identify with your story, no matter what their starting weight, and be at peace with the decision that they are making. I am 4 weeks post-op and I wouldn't change a thing.

[hollieann71]

Allie...your beautiful~ my start weight was 324 and I had vsg on 1-17! today I weigh in at 264 I cant believe it! I am off all my medications! and I to had diabetes and sleep apnea! NO more!! THANKS TO THE SLEEVE!! your post is so inspiring!! I love you already! ... you are so strong! and precious! keep up the good work!! Im so proud we get to live a longer life!! thanks for inspiring me today! Hollie ann

[Nana Renan]

Your pictures are amazing and so is your story!!

Thanks for sharing and KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!

[PalmettoGirl73]

Thank you for sharing your story. It (and your pictures) are very inspiring!

[dillondame]

Great job Allie. You look terrific. What an inspiration.

[gonnadoit]

Thank you so much for sharing your amazing story. Still have some fear occasionly but for the most part, feel very committed to the changes I am trying to make in my life. You are an inspiration..beat you never heard that before and girl YOU LOOK MAV A LUS