Hello, my name is Jaime Heffner. I began my journey with Dr. Cywes in February of 2011. Before beginning my journey, I was just like every other fat person out there, and thought that I could do it on my own, but I was wrong. My waking up moment of realizing that I needed help was on a trip to Disney World with my Mom, 5 year old son, and 3 year old daughter. I went to get on one of the rides and almost couldn’t fit. I made the decision THAT day I needed to make an appointment with Dr. Cywes for lap band surgery. I knew then that I didn’t need to do it just for me, but to be there from my children. If I didn’t get help soon, I knew I would not live to see my children make it out of elementary school.

My husband was so happy I finally saw the light, because he was ready to take the journey with me. I knew what I was doing was not going to be a diet, or a quick fix; it was going to be a life style change for me. So, the first time I stepped into Dr. Cywes office I began my new life and have never looked back. I weighed in at 314lbs and in my head I was thinking “Really!?” I could not believe I had let myself get that fat. I started seeing Jody every two weeks for 3 months. She helped me understand that I didn’t need a diet and that it was an addiction.

Before I knew it, it was time for the surgery. I decided to get the banded gastric plication because of all the extra benefits that came with it and had my surgery on June 27, 2011. Everyday it gets easier to do things with my family, especially things that I was not able to do before. We recently went to Busch Gardens and Sea World, where I was able to ride all the roller coasters. I was even able to get on the Congo River Rapids without having to ask for an extension for the seat belt.

I was recently able to get one of my skin surgeries completed by Dr. Cywes. Right now I weigh in at 177lbs and that number is still moving down. I feel amazing. I’m waiting to have my second skin surgery so until then I am going to live life to the fullest.