Robin
21 months after surgery
85 pounds lost
Before Surgery
Location: Covington, LA
Age: 52
Weight lost: 85 pounds
Surgery date: 12/12/2007
Presurgery BMI: 44.3
Current BMI: 30
Robin's Story
I have always been rather active but have always had excess weight. At age 51, I peaked at 265 pounds. At that time I was wearing a size 24 to 26, had low self esteem, was on the brink of knee problems, and would get very winded at the least little task. In 2000, I was blessed with a beautiful red-headed granddaughter, and I needed to be in better health to really enjoy her. I am an avid beach-goer, and at one point I couldn’t get back into a boat. Just climbing stairs was a chore. I felt like my life was going to be cut short if I did not do something about my weight.
Why I chose to draw the line against living with obesity
In October of 2007, I ran into a friend I hadn’t seen in some time. She recognized me; I didn’t recognize her. I knew I knew her face, but I just couldn’t place her. When she told me who she was, I nearly fainted! She looked awesome, and I asked her how she had lost weight and what she was doing. She informed me that she had gastric banding surgery. This was my when I decided to draw the line and do something about my weight. I thought, “If she can do it, I can do it.” My skinny best friend was with me that day, and a week later she persuaded me to go see the doctor about band surgery.
How my life has changed
The REALIZE® Band has changed my life tremendously. I no longer look for a parking space at the front door. I can walk up and down stairs with ease and breathe at the same time. I can cross my legs! I can ride amusement park rides, board an airplane, or sit in a booth at a restaurant without being embarrassed. I can walk fast, ride a bike, and even run a little. Clothes fit me better, and I actually enjoy shopping for clothes. I feel younger. My husband has shown an appreciation for my weight loss as well. Most importantly, I can play with my granddaughter, and I don’t have to stop halfway because I’m too tired.
In May 2008, I took my eight-year-old granddaughter to Disney World®. I was able to get up early and play until late. I could walk through the theme parks and keep up with her without feeling like I needed a break. I actually played with her. We did everything, from riding the Flying Dumbo to dinner with the princesses. Without the REALIZE Band I wouldn’t have been able to do these things. Enjoying life with her, seeing her big smile every day, and hearing her laughter has been the best gift that the REALIZE Band has given me.
Two years after surgery, my BMI is 30 and my weight has gone down to 180. Size 14 clothes seem to be getting a little baggy. I have my family and friends to thank for showing me the love and support I needed to make it through and succeed. I knew I was not ready to leave my family and beautiful granddaughter due to bad health and obesity. From my heart to the people at REALIZE, “thanks” just does not seem to be enough.
