Macie's Weight Loss Journey

Before LapBand 409 pounds 10 months After LapBand 310 pounds

Life is an amazing journey full of decisions we make that guide our paths. It never ceases to amaze me how life can twist and turn! I think the important thing is always trying to visualize the bigger picture. Somehow seeing the whole thing can make it easier not to "sweat the small stuff."

My life, like many others, has been quite a ride thus far, and due to my decision to have LapBand surgery in May 2007, I can't wait to see what awaits my future! Not so long ago, I was up to 409 pounds. I know the behavior that got me there, and I choose never to allow myself to fall back into old habits. I look at my weight loss surgery as a surgically implanted lifestyle change. What other way is there? I have allowed this LapBand to teach me and shape the way I interact with food. In recognizing my emotional dependency on food, I have been able to cope with stress, feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and self-love in another manner. I have learned so much about myself in simple realizations that I had been ignoring for years. Using the words of Shrek himself, "I am like an onion, slowly peeling away the layers to reveal the pearl inside." The way I feel about myself on the inside is miraculously showing on the outside. This is amazing!

I will no longer live life in fear of turnstiles at entrances, airplane seats and seat belt extensions, roller coaster rides at theme parks, and the dreaded look of disaster when seen in a bathing suit! Big will always be beautiful in my eyes, but I will no longer allow myself to fall victim to the ridicule overweight people sometimes endure.

I have been overweight since elementary school. I cannot remember a day that went by when I was not teased and made to cry. I never could understand other people's reactions to my size. God made me just the way I am, and He made you just the way you are. Why can't we all just love each other? We are all the same; we are all one in the eyes of the universe. But in reality, life just isn't that way, and so began the cycle of destruction, which has taken years to repair.

My struggle to lose weight was never ending. I have tried everything from The Bohemian Shake Diet, to acupuncture, Weight Watchers, and Nutri-System. I would lose 20 or 30 pounds, plateau, get discouraged, and gain back every pound and more. Having the LapBand has empowered me to lose almost 100 pounds thus far, and I am not done yet! I couldn't be happier.

These life changes are being handed down to my 5 year-old daughter. I will do everything in my power to assure she does not have to endure the same childhood nightmare I was scarred by. Dr. Raja: what you and your wonderful team are doing for your patients is affecting the whole family, and is no doubt multi-generational. You truly do make a difference in the lives of many!!! Thank you!