Hello! My name is Carol Shafer, and I am a survivor. No, not the kind on the reality TV program…I am an obesity survivor! I have been saved from the life my ancestral genetics and my eating habits had in store for my body and my life!

My mother’s family has a genetic history of being 400 and 500 pound people…and I was well on my way to the same fate, as well as the same traits of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems and all the problems that accompany morbid obesity!

But on October 8, 1999, I had the opportunity to change my future and make the wisest investment I have ever made. I made and investment in myself and my future!

I decided to take charge of my life …. I made one simple phone call and very soon I was on my way to MONTERREY. And had the adjustable gastric band installed!

My future and destiny was in my hands now!!!!

When I stop and think of all the thousands of dollars I spent on diet tapes, books, doctors and pills….the price of the adjustable gastric band was a bargain! But would it work? Would I be able to keep off the weight permanently , unlike with all the other weight loss attempts?

The answer …..YES!!!!

I have been at my weight goal of 140 for over 3 years and do not struggle to keep my weight within that range. This has been the best financial and personal investment I have ever made in my life, and yes, I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

I give glory to God for making the way possible for me to have this surgery, my adoring devotion to my husband and family for sticking through all the difficult years of “thick and thin”, and my humble appreciation goes to my compassionate, caring doctor, Alma and his wonderful staff for the skills and dedication to this profession which allows so many to have a second chance at having a wonderful, full and completely “normal” life!

Thanks to everyone at Solution4Obesity!!!!

So what have I to say to you after being successfully and happily banded for over 3 & 12/ years?!.....Go for it…take a chance….what have you got to lose? Only possibly the one chance or opportunity to have a perfectly normal life and to live happily ever after! (OK, I’m an optimist!)

Read my complete story coming soon: www.obesitysurvivor.com

Editor's note:  Since regaining her health and happiness Carol has launched her own business and has built it into a fantastic success by helping people provide their bodies with all the nutritional support needed after weight loss surgery.  Carol says that before she lost her excess weight she would never have had the energy or stamina to do all the things involved in running a successful business.  Now she keeps her family's needs meet, is active in Little League and Church Work and Operates her business and still has energy to be a fun person and a friend to all.