Nancy Evanston, Ill.
Occupation:
Mental health field
Height:
5 ft. 4 in.
Starting Weight:
300 lbs.
Lowest Weight:
135 lbs.
Current Weight:
140 lbs.
Began weight-loss program:
April 2003
Length at current weight:
1 year, 3 months

Weight and Me
I was always heavy as a child. I remember going on my first diet in the fourth grade—through "The Diet Center" in Wilmette, IL. As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse by a family friend, I used food to self-soothe and as an emotional comfort. I repressed those memories until I was 19 years old. However, after I recalled that horrific history, I ate more and used my weight as a subconscious barrier to keep men and meaningful relationships out of my life.
The Last Straw
After turning 30 and undergoing several years of therapy and self-examination, I decided that I needed to break out of the self-imposed prison that I had unconsciously created for myself.
How I Did It
After undergoing several years of failed diets and exercise programs, I made the courageous decision to have laproscopic, ROUX-N-Y gastric bypass surgery on April 23, 2003. That decision also entailed making a permanent change to my eating habits and overall lifestyle. Despite the fact that the media portrays bariatric surgery as a "quick fix" to traditional methods of losing weight, it was a life-saving procedure or me. The bariatric surgery provided me with a much-needed TOOL to assist me in losing weight.
The Key To Success
The key to my weight loss success has been daily monitoring of my food intake, deciding to incorporate regular exercise into my routine, and making a conscious effort to learn and understand my previous unhealthy pattern of overeating.
Derailers and Strategies
Being three and a half years post-op, what keeps me motivated is to maintain my newfound love of life and excitement for my future!
When I Slip ...
My bariatric surgery was the most significant (and also the most difficult) decision that I ever made in my life. During my first five months post-op, I was physically sick after every single meal and every type of food and/or drink that I consumed. Talk about setbacks! But I never gave up. I had come too far to sabotage myself any further. Although I feel better physically and spiritually right now, I believe that nothing tastes as good as FEELING healthy!
When I Soar ...
That is a tough question to answer! Despite all of the positive feedback I have received from family, friends and co-workers, I think that my favorite "new you" moment was when I realized that I had lost more weight (160 pounds) than I currently weigh now (140 pounds)! I do not take my weight loss or the incredible journey that I have gone through for granted.