Hi, my name is Carmen. I am a 40 year old wife and mother of 1 teenage daughter. I have struggled with my weight since college and have tried every "diet" known to man as a part of my struggle. My family is active and I have been able to keep up, but as I have gotten older (and wiser) I am realizing the damage I have done to my body and I am very sorry that I didn't wake up and start taking care of my temple in my earlier years. But it's okay, I know better now, and I have changed my life completely. In August 2011 I made the decision to have VSG (vertical sleeve gastrectomy) and I don't regret it one bit. I am a registered nurse and I was aware of the risks but I felt the benefits would outweigh them. So here I am 7 months later and I'm ready for a new challenge!

SW: 455
CW: 335
GW: 175
BMI: 54.06

Favorite Exercise: Zumba, Baby!!! (Swimming is also a fave when weather permits)

@DocNikki, I am fully "recovered" back to work 1 week after surgery which was 7 months ago. But the issue is just when you have something like that, it does NOT take away the emotional attachments and triggers to food you have, so even though I can't physically hold the same amt. of food I used to....the urge or the emotional hunger still exist. That's the part that has to be dealt with before time has passed and you can to the point that you have "stretched" your stomach so much that you can and WILL gain the weight back because you did not resolve the issues behind the weight to begin with. I say all that to say it is really challenging for me to keep ALL of that in mind as I work very hard to modify my lifestyle, eating habits, and increase my level of activity. But I do know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!!! So let's go ladies!!! We GOT this!!!