The before picture was October 2008, which was not my highest weight of 267. It’s embarrassing to say that out loud, much less announce it to the world.

In November 2008 I had my lap band surgery. It was the best decision I’ve made. After a few weeks I had lost a whopping 2 lbs. I will never forget the words and disappointment I felt at my follow up visit. I decided then I will show you Dr. C! Fast forward to 2012 I’m now 140 lbs. It has been a long journey that Dr. Cywes, Jody and staff has supported and helped every step of the way. For almost four years I’ve had the support system who knows me better than I know myself. Not my friends, not my family, but Dr. Cywes and Jody get all the credit. I have to name Melissa because I’ve never had an office staff that will give you such personal attention to your needs, how cool is that?

I lost the initial 100 lbs. in less than a year. I yo-yo’d for over two years, never able to budge from the 160- 175 range. I was never in the “Normal” category and still considered myself overweight– just like the BMI charts say. My mind had not caught up with my body. I’m still the fat girl and refuse to accept complements without negative thoughts. My daily focus has been weight– as it has been since childhood.

A life changing event, losing my brother earlier this year, gave me the bump I needed. To get active and not focused on the numbers, but my health. Dr. Cywes has not left my side during this journey, and will not. I will never be “cured” of my addiction to food, but I hope to keep conscious control over my addiction by the constant reminders of where I’ve been and how far I’ve came.

Today, I do not see a fat girl in the mirror, for the first time in my life. As my health has gotten better (blood work wise, willingness to attempt quit smoking until I reach my goal, exercising for the first time ever, walking, walking, walking) my mind is getting better too. And if I fall off and get lost, Dr. Cywes and Jody come to the rescue and get me back to reality. Dr. Cywes has never only been concerned about my weight– his job– but concerned for my whole being. How many doctors will pull up a chair and explain what your numbers mean or tell you what you need to know and not be bashful about the facts. My family doctor for over twenty years never once mentioned I was overweight or that I needed to quit smoking. I have a love for Dr. Cywes for how he has helped change my life and given me the tools, not only the lap band, but the power with words to be what I’ve always wanted to be– a regular person.

This isn’t the end of my journey, looking good and feeling good. It will continue for the rest of my life. All that can change tomorrow if I don’t keep control and stay in contact with my support system, Jacksonville Weight Loss Center. I have no doubt if I don’t follow instructions and stay focused I could easily be that 267 morbidly obese girl again, and like always you get bigger than your last time. I refuse to allow that to happen and I know Dr. C will do everything in his power (words) to make sure that doesn’t happen either.