I have been over weight since I was in college. I never really noticed it until I had to shop in one of those clothing stores. I always thought that I was "in the normal range." I have always been on some sort of diet - whether it was pills or watching what I eat - including a horrible grapefruit diet. It was something that was always a constant in my life.

After culinary school, the weight really started to pile on. At one point, the scale at home was so close to the 300# mark that I decided to stop weighing myself. It was a picture that someone took of me that pushed me into a desperate search to find something to rid me of my obesity issue.

Then I researched the internet and found Ready 4 a Change! And I was ready for that change! I spoke with the patient coordinators, Janet and Judy, and decided that this was the solution I was searching for but having it performed in Mexico was not. I was very hesitant but with their guidance, I decided to take a chance on a healthier life. I schedule the surgery as a Mother's Day present to myself. May 7, 2004! My Re-Birth Day! I got on a plane by myself and flew to Monterrey for my transformation! My family thought that I was crazy but they have seen me blossom into this person and their support had meant so much to me!