Dee White

I have been big my whole life and actually weighed more than 10 pounds at birth. The boys used to follow me home from school and sing “fatty fatty two by four, can’t get through the kitchen door.” I was picked on all through grade school and junior high. I was able to lose weight before high school and managed to get through that experience without being largely overweight. But the weight continued to increase as the years went by, and I was constantly fighting a battle with my body. I have spent most of my life either on a diet, trying a new exercise gimmick, machine or club or trying to not eat at all just to maintain weight. It has been an exhausting experience to say the least.

I always wanted to have some type of bariatric surgery but didn’t think I was large enough. After going to one of Dr. Chae’s informational meetings, I knew my life was going to change. I was actually excited that I had health issues and enough weight to be able to take this journey. It’s sad when you think about it, but I wanted to change my life. I worked diligently for almost a year to fulfill my insurance requirements and my journey began on June 24, 2013. This has been an amazing experience and I would recommend it to anyone considering it. Yes there are difficult times. I happen to have a very picky tummy and struggle almost daily on what I can and cannot eat. But was it worth it? You bet!

People who are not overweight don’t realize the struggles that overweight people face almost daily. Putting on socks in the morning and still being able to breathe is a whole new experience for me now. To be able to wear boots that come up over my calves is the most amazing experience! Being able to walk up a flight of stairs and not have to stop to catch my breath truly is a wonderful feeling.

I have lost 76.5 pounds and have gone from a women’s size 18 to a misses size 8. I have never in my life worn a size 8 and still find it hard to believe. No more high blood pressure, no more sleep apnea, no more snoring and my energy level is amazing. This has been the most incredible experience of my life and I look forward to being this way for the rest of my life.