By: Dawn W.

Hi, my name is Dawn......When I was told about this opportunity to share my story with you, I was soooooooooo excited. I'm excited because I know that my story is truly an amazing story of how the Lap-Band surgery has transformed my life in just 10 short months.

Dawn Before Lap Band

In 2010 Palms of Pasadena hospital in St Petersburg Fl along with Dr Rehnke sponsored a "Free Lap-Band" contest. At the time of the contest, I had been out of work for over 3 years due to severe back issues. I had been diagnosed with severe scoliosis as a child and had a Herrington rod in my back. As my weight climbed to 346 lbs my back felt as though it was just crumbling underneath me. I was 38 years old and had days where I used a walker to get around. I had a shower chair to finish my showers and was in physical therapy and pain management. I was taking around the clock pain medication as well as anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxers.

My husband told me about the contest and I entered because of my husband's persistence, even though I never imagined that I had a chance knowing that thousands of people would be interested in a "Free lap-band". Well, much to my surprise, I was chosen as one of 5 finalists and in April of 2010 went on to win the contest.

It has been only 10 months since surgery and my life has changed so much it is almost UNRECOGNIZABLE!!!! I have lost 124 lbs already and feel like a new person. I have already completed 3 5ks, and am currently training for my first "Mini" triathlon. I went from being un-employed to working full-time for bariatric surgeon, Dr. Tiffany Jessee, as a patient service representative. I also work part time as a bariatric surgery seminar representative for Palms of Pasadena hospital.

Dawn 9 Months After Lap Band

Life is great............People often make comments to me about how different I look, but what is more important to me is how different I feel. I know that I have been given a second chance at life and I am trying to take every opportunity to live it to its fullest. I feel so blessed, that in addition to the weight loss that i have achieved, I have been put in a position to share with and encourage others that are starting their journey.

There are definitely some life changes that come with this surgery, as well as some retraining of the mind. But anything that appears slightly difficult for that moment has been over-shadowed by the joy, and excitement of knowing that the new me is so much healthier and happier than before.

To add to the excitement, my husband of 11 years was also able to get the lap-band surgery in Nov.

If you would like to check out some of my pictures on the hospital web site....... Go to www.obesitynomorefl.com then click on "Our Patients".....and you will see me DAWN W 

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