I've always been heavy through my teens and into adulthood. My weight would go up and down and no matter how much I dieted I always ended up heavy. I have tried just about every diet and pill out there with little result and always gained the weight back.

At my heaviest I was 302lbs. I was tired, unhealthy, had back problems and could barely move around without being out of breath. I had trouble fitting into airline seats and forget about taking my son to the amusement park. I remember being on a kiddie ride at Kings Island with my son. I was so heavy that the car wouldn't go up the little hill. They had to stop the ride to let me off. I was mortified. I had had enough.

After a years worth of research, I approached my family physician and advised that I needed to do something. We discussed the Lap Band and found that it was the best choice for me. At 260 lbs I was approved for surgery.

In November 2007 I had my surgery performed by Dr. Clarey at Southview. The support I received from the doctors, hospital and staff was incredible. I have gone from a size 24 to a size 10 and have lost almost 100 lbs. I still have about 30 more to go but I'm so much healthier. We recently took a vacation to Disney and I was able to ride all of the rides with my family without the embarrassment of not fitting in the seats. I walked all day without pain. I went to the beach and wore a two piece swimsuit. I feel so alive! This May I'll be doing the Flying Pig marathon with some of my good friends who have also had the Lap Band surgery.

This surgery has not only changed my life, but has also saved it. I cannot express in words how deeply passionate I am about the Lap Band and what a difference it has made not only my life, but to the lives of my friends and family.