Debbie Searcy
I think the thing that motivated me to have weight loss surgery was that I was tired of gaining and losing weight.
Before
Weight loss stayed on my mind from the moment I woke up until I went to bed each night. Ruining the day, I had great moments in my life that I felt were marred by my weight, such as my daughter’s wedding, going to Vegas, not going to the Bahamas. I was just so tired of beating myself up for never being able to get this part of my life under control so I could start living and really enjoy life. This was drastic thinking for me; I never considered for one moment I would not succeed with my weight loss surgery because I made up my mind, if I was going to go through with this I better take it seriously. I knew this was going to be a “tool” to help me succeed. It has changed my life more than I ever imagined. I did not realize how much power I gave weight over my life. I watch people eat now and I think to myself that they have no joy in their food. I remember when I used to eat and not think about it, big bites, not enough chewing. Now, I think about what food I want and portion sizes and I chew my food before I swallow. I don't need two large slices of cake at a birthday party, a few bites is enough, if I have any. I just don't want it any more; that changed in me. I still like to look at food, but I now am very picky on what is good enough for me.
My health was going downhill at a fast pace. Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, being put on an Aspirin regimen, not to mention my knees, back, and head hurt all the time. I was tired all the time and some days I was literally dragging myself out of bed to do mundane things like the dishes or cooking. Just making the bed could knock the wind out of my sails. That old saying, “I was sick and tired of being sick and tired” came to mind and I thought…I have got to do something. Getting banded was my saving grace. It saved my life.
After
Today, I roll out of bed and wonder what to wear. I have some really cute colorful workout clothes and I have to think a minute before choosing.
I say “cute” because they are colors I would have never worn before. If I'm going out somewhere I also have to think. I used to hate going shopping or even walking into my closet. Now I love it. I remember the one thing I hated about being so big was that I was always uncomfortable. My pants always cut into my stomach, I couldn't cross my legs, my shirt came up and my belly fat would show and I would be mortified. Bending over to tie my shoes was like holding my breath underwater. I could feel veins popping in my head bending over. Now, I swing my leg over and tie that shoe! I don't break a sweat or lose my breath.
Losing 100 pounds has been a liberating feeling, like I have finally broken the glass ceiling that held my life hostage for so many years. I am older now but I feel like there is nothing I can't do. I feel I can now go to an amusement park with my grandkids and have fun. I hope to live long enough to see them get married and have families of their own. I have hopes now of going to the Bahamas one day and wearing a bathing suit and even parasailing over the turquoise seas, even going down the long slide!
I am still on all my medications but I am hoping soon to be taken off of them all. I have energy and feel hope every day. I have reclaimed my ability to dream once more. I now feel like I can do anything; I guess that's what happens when you move a mountain out of your way…you can see the road going forward. Thank you, Dr. Lara and all the staff at Las Palmas, for helping me see my life going forward once again, and a special Thank You to Beckey for being my rock, and answering all my questions, and for all the sound advice. You all make up a great team.
See you soon,
Debbie Searcy
