NEVER, EVER go back to what I was

Letter to Dr. Amson

I have struggled with my weight from the age of 3. Every diet known to man has been tried by me and I only succeeded in gaining more weight.

I had originally planned to have the gastric bypass surgery done. However, when I was informed that there was a 4 year waiting period, I knew that I could not wait that long. After careful discussion with Dr. Amson, I decided to have the lap band surgery done. This procedure was my last hope. I knew that this surgery was not a quick fix and that I would have to work hard for positive results.

The lap band procedure saved my life and changed my life. My depression was such that I just did not want to continue on this earth. When I walked down the street, I walked with my head down. I would not look at my reflection in the window. I had a perpetual scowl on my face, hated myself and everyone around me. I certainly was not a pleasant person to be around.

At the beginning of my journey, I weighed 226 lbs. The first year I dropped 35 lbs. and then hit a plateau. Although I was working out at Curves for 1 hour a day, Dr. Amson suggested that I walk an hour a day. Well, I followed his advice and upped my walk by 10-20 minutes per day religiously! I am now down to 123 lbs. I am probably one of the few people who went on a 21 day cruise and lost 5 lbs. WHY? Because I walked 70 minutes every day around the cruise ship. I would walk around the Lido deck every morning looking at and smelling all the food available and then, turn, and walk away.

The joint pain in my knees and feet is gone. I am not ashamed of myself any more, in fact, I am proud of myself. I have achieved something that I thought was impossible. I am no longer on blood pressure medication. The medication for pain has been halved. I walk down the street with my head high, I DO look at my reflection in the window, I have a smile on my face and now feel that I can conquer anything that comes my way. Once again, I have self-confidence, something that I had been lacking for a long, long time.

I am enjoying my children and grandchildren, they are the love of my life.

I realize that I have to work at this for the rest of my life. Probably one of the hardest things one has to do in this situation is to MAINTAIN once one has hit their goal. But I am up for the challenge. I have learned a lot, am still learning and will NEVER, EVER go back to what I was.

I have nothing but thanks to give to Dr. Amson for his support and motivation while I was working towards my goal. I could not have achieved this without him. I am so very grateful to him. Dr. Amson helped me to help myself and change my life.

I will also say that I am more than happy to help anyone in whatever way I can who is considering having this procedure done or has had the lap band placed.