Rebecca Hyde: "Gastric Bypass Has Given Me a Life"

Before weight loss surgery, I did not like who I was. I would come home from work and literally colapse onto the couch. I did not want to do anything with my husband or my son. I felt nasty, but all I could do was eat. The more weight I gained, the more I wanted to eat. Shopping was always a depressing time for me, and going out with friends wasn't fun because I always felt like people were looking at me.

I tossed the idea of weight loss surgery around for quite some time, but I was scared and I felt like I would be giving up my life if I couldn't eat "normal". I did not realize that what I believed to be normal was way more than anyone should consume. Two things happened in my life that got my attention and made me realize it was time for a change. When my son became embaressed to be seen with me, and started getting into fights because his friends called me fat, I knew I had to do something. In addition, my dad passed away from cancer in 2005. His condition went undiagnosed for far too long because the doctors believed his symptoms were caused from being overweight. Because he was overweight, they didn't look further into his symptoms until it was too late. He passed away eight weeks after being diagnosed. I decided I did not want to become a statistic. It was time to make some major decisions in my life. A decision to live or to die.

On September 17, 2007, I underwent gastric bypass surgery. The morning of my surgery I weighed 281 pounds and wore a size 28. One wonderful year later I weigh 162 pounds and I am in a size 12. Gastric Bypass has given me the life I deserve. I have tons of energy. I seldom see my couch anymore because I am always busy doing something. I have experienced many "firsts" since my surgery. I bought a dress for the first time in my life. I enjoy shopping and I love traveling and sightseeing with my husband and son. I can even ride a roller coaster now! I could not fit into the seat before my surgery.

I still enjoy food, but I am very conscious about every bite that goes into my mouth. I can eat anything I want, but I choose healthy foods. We only eat sugar-free sweets, and whole grains. My husband is very supportive and only cooks healthy foods for our family, and my son is also learning to make nutritious choices as well. I continue to monitor my protein intake and I take four chewable multi-vitamins a day. I do not miss anything about my former self. Gastric bypass has given me a life, and the courage and confidence I need to live it fully. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat!

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