The Decision

Phew..... this is such an emotive subject to discuss, but it is because it is so exhausting that I feel I need to write it all here. I cant believe I am the only person going through this, and I know that it would make me feel better if I knew others were going through this too...

I find myself at a junction in my life. I seem to have always been battling. I was born with Congenital Hip Displacement, which meant that my left hip (socket and ball) had not formed properly. I had my legs in traction as a young child, as well as many designs of plaster casts, and 4 operations. I have always had the pain, I have always had to fight to be allowed to do the things all the other children did.... And I have always been fighting with my weight.

My story, in this respect, probably echo's many other peoples stories. I needed to loose weight. You name it, I have tried it. Visits to the Dietician, Weight Watchers, Slimmers World, appetite suppressants, Orlistat, Atkins, Cabbage soup Diet, boot camps, Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Personal Trainers...

I'm a classic YoYo dieter. But now its critical. My Pain in my back and joints is so bad now that I'm on daily anti-inflamatory drugs and pain killers. My hip requires a hip replacement and after recent surgery on my knee walking has become difficult.... and I'm 31 years old! The specialists for my hip and knee both say I need to loose weight (about 6 stone to get into a 'healthy' zone). How do you loose 6 stone?!?! I have managed to loose weight before, but generally through excercise, which I obviously cannot do at present.

I had thought about surgery before but always dismissed it. However, my Mum suggested it and I started to look into it seriously. I started researching and contacted a hospital in London that carried iut Lap Band surgery. I have had many in depth phone calls with them and feel assured by them, so I'm going to see the Surgeon on Wednesday for a consult.

Wish me luck