arg2689
Don't wait until it's "too late"....
Sep 09, 2015
I am 26 years old, 2 kids (7 and 2) and husband, full time college student and a photographer. My children do sports, school, and extracurricular activities, and I am very active in their school and have my own hobbies as well. I am busy, life keeps me that way. I am so busy you would think I'd be the size of a toothpick by now! NOPE! Plus, being a woman, it's natural to put ourselves last, even in health.
When I first got my lap band in 2009, I became so obsessed with getting "skinny" that I didn't even think about my health. I lost weight yes, but I lost it the totally unhealthy way. And it backfired on me because after my 2nd pregnancy, I gained all my weight back. Now, almost 3 years after 2nd baby, I finally got filled recently, but the weight is not coming off anywhere near as fast as the first time. Why? because I screwed up the first time, and with health, it's hard to get a second chance to redeem yourself. Being stressed out with little to no results from recent fill, I began to get frustrated but then something in my big ole busy brain something clicked, a light bulb popped up and shined bright, there must be something else "wrong" with me which would possibly explain my slow weight-loss. I make decent food choices and walk regularly, but I wasn't seeing any improvement.
I went to my primary care physician (not my bariatric doctor) and asked for him to check me out and run some tests. He is an awesome doctor, he tells you everything you don't want to hear, but need to hear. Anyways, he told me that I am aging although I am only 26, I have had two kids and I have struggled with obesity the past 8 years. So of course it's going to be harder than before to lose weight. Not only am I getting older, I am not getting the correct amount of nutrients and vitamins (which is my fault). So I took in all he said, he gave me some great reading material and ways to make sure I am losing weight the healthy even with my band filled.
I went back the next day for blood work, had to fast for the thyroid and glucose test. I tell yea, the couple hours needed for these tests to be done are the longest hours EVER! My results were in within 48 hours and what my doctor found kinda surprised me. My thyroid is ok, but it's borderline of being whack-o, I am Vitamin D deficient (which my husband found funny because I am always in the sun), but I also learned I am lactose intolerant and have celiac disease (gluten sensitivity). I thought you were born with lactose intolerance so I was shocked when I learned that adults are more prone to develop lactose intolerance than those born with it.
So on top of the Lap-Band rules, I now am very limited to what I can consume. It's hard. It really is. It's hard going from a binge eater to protein shakes then soft foods. I have to vut out soda, sugar, dairy and gluten from my diet. I know having these "conditions" will benefit me in the long run, but it will also be a healthy lifestyle change for my husband and children as well. I am using my mistakes and learnings to guide them down an obesity free life.
I am glad I am still young enough that I can make these changes, remain active and get on the right track, but I am also bummed that I have to face the reality of aging haha So just because you think you're young, doesn't mean you are. Your age is a number, that number is nothing. You're health and body are what really determines your age. Don't wait until you think you're old enough to get tested and help, do it as soon as you can and make it a routine to keep your health in check! Easier said than done though, trust me. But it is now a MUST.
