Eventually, I was getting into my upper 20s, and it just sort of became too much of a problem – difficult for me to feel like I could come away from it in a positive way.

My family had always talked to me about a lap band procedure or some sort of like sort of tool that you can use. And I think I just had a really tough time recognizing that I needed that help; I reckon I kept thinking, I don’t have a problem I don’t have a problem with eating and using that as a crutch. But finally I got to a point where I felt like it was really becoming a hindrance for my lifestyle – not able to keep up with friends and family and just it was a tough cross to bear, I guess. So eventually we decided, okay, maybe this is something that doesn’t need to have a stigma attached to it. This is something that can be a tool that I can use to move forward something else; another sort of permanent long term help that I need to kind of get through this.

We did some research and found Dr. Ganta. I went online and looked at his reviews. I really liked that he was a cutting-edge doctor and was really trying new things, staying ahead of the curve and that he had actually kind of pioneered a lot of the surgery in town. So I made an appointment with Dr. Ganta and we talked through the all the options and we decided that the lap band procedure would be the most successful for me. That was two years ago this month, and I have been very happy ever since.

I think Dr. Ganta is such an interesting doctor. He really has a family that works with him – every time you go in they know you; they know your name. They are always there for you – if you ever need anything you could always call. And the way Dr. Ganta supports his group and his patients is wonderful and I’ve just been thrilled. Everybody I’ve talked to about the lap band have been nothing but supportive – I think true friends and family want you to be healthy want you at your very best. And I’ve had amazing comments just saying, now your outside matches your inside – and I thought that was one of the best compliments anybody could get. My personality, my effervescence – all of those things are still there. And now my confidence in my looks and in my body and in my just health overall health is able to match that. I have this whole newfound confidence and no longer am I the wallflower.

It was a lot in the beginning – I would rather just stay home or stay on the outskirts and never take pictures. I feel like I was missing out a lot in life. So I think everyone is just thrilled to come along with me and go on adventures and have fun. And it’s been an amazing experience. I’ve also gained this whole new perspective about life and have so much more energy. I’m willing to go out and try new things, like stand up paddleboarding and other things I would be so worried about (even if it was just my own worry, not projected by anybody else). But I’ve gained new confidence and the ability to just go for walks. I went on a trip to New York City with my girlfriends that are all in amazing shape and I was so worried that I wouldn’t be able to keep up. I actually had a little falling apart before I went, worried I can’t keep up with a lot of walking in a city. But the fact that I was able to go and was walking past them and biking around Central Park – it was astonishing to be able to see myself and to not have to worry about those things. Or to go on an airplane and not have to have a seat belt extender, to be able to go shopping and be able to shop with my friends at their stores. Just to be able to go out and order dessert without having feeling like people are looking at you like, ‘oh gosh, why are you eating so much’? or whatever.

I think it’s all of those little things that add up to something – you don’t realize how much you’re missing – not only because of the weight, but also because you’re so introverted or so concerned about what other people think. I have a whole new confidence where it doesn’t matter what anybody thinks. I’m going to go out there and live my life to the fullest.

It’s been two years since my surgery and I’ve lost 141 pounds, and I think something like nine dress sizes. It’s crazy to go from a size 24 to a size 4. So pretty much, it’s a whole new me. I lost a whole person – so good!