About Me

My Story:

I have always been a “Big Girl” and all the life aspects that go along with that (not fitting into social groups, teasing, etc.). Therefore, in my lifetime, I have tried so many ways to lose weight: Weight Watchers, Atkins, South Beach, etc. The list could go on and on; however, as I got older and had my babies my weight really started to get out of control.

My weight defined who I was. I was judged from the outside in instead of the inside out. My knees hurt; my feet would swell up by the end of the day due to all the extra weight – so much physical pain from being so obese. My level of denial was very high. I never consciously put the puzzle together that what I needed to do was lose weight and be active. I knew what the scale was saying but I just knew it was lying to me. I did not look my weight…so I thought.

Luckily, at the age of 38 and my highest weight of 284 pounds (BMI 45.8), I realized that I had a lifetime of heart issues, physical limitations and the fear of my kids and husband being ashamed by their obese mom/wife to look forward to. I decided to make a last-ditch effort by choosing gastric banding. The band has been a literal lifesaving choice for me.

Present:

My interest in Bariatrics began when I had Lap-Band surgery and wanted to help others to be just as successful. I believe very strongly in helping others achieve their weight loss goals, physical and mentally. I was very blessed to be given the opportunity to work with other bariatric patients as the bariatric coordinator at Atlantic General Hospital.

Thoughts to Live By:

Success is not a race, be patient.
Success leads to success.
Success is always a work in progress.
Success doesn't come to you--you go to it.
Success is a journey, not a destination. Focus on the process.
Some people dream about success... while others wake up and work hard at it.
Success is achieved and maintained by those who try – and keep trying.
Every day is a good day to SUCCEED!
If at first you don't succeed, try, try again