kyjo

Kelsey, First I want to say congratulations on making such a huge and influencial decision. I, like you was heavy for as long as I can remember. I was an avid basketball player and all around athlete, but still I was over weight. And not just over weight, it came to a point that I was considered obese. Even though I was at this point, I still always had a high self-esteem about myself, I had a bunch of wonderful friends, I thought I was like a lot of normal kids my age. The only point that really bothered me about my weight was my inability to excel at the passion of my life. I was, and still am, in love with the sport of basketball and I knew that carrying around that extra weight not only would damper my playing abilities but also hurt my body. Hauling a 5'9, 273 lb pound body up and down the basketball court was surely taking its toll on my heart and lungs. I knew that the loss would make me better, faster, stronger. I made the decision at 14, which is almost three years ago. I am now an even more confident, more outgoing, 145(ish) lb, Varsity basketball player and I haven't regretted my decision once. I am glad that I was able to get the chance to get this surgery. I am thankful every day for the second chance it has given me. Insurance wouldn't pay for it and there were no trials available to me. I was also so young that most doctors in the United States wouldn't touch me. But my parents were able to find a way to pay for this for me. I wanted to share my experience with you and wanted to let you know that I am here for anything you need. I see that a lot of other people want to help you as well but I know that when I was considering this surgery it was most helpful to talk with teenagers and people my own age. It is a lot easier to relate to each other. So please let me know if you have any questions or you just want to talk. I am here! Good luck and again congratulations! --Kylie