My name is Samantha and I became overweight after the birth of my third child. My priority was my family and like all moms out there, I didn’t make time for myself. I tried your usual diet programs available, in losing the weight, for about 4 years only to gain it back. I was unhappy with my appearance, I lost my self-confidence, and my family doctor had diagnosed me with type II diabetes. My stressful full-time desk job was not helping me either. I knew I needed to do something. I knew I had to make a change. Not only for myself, but more importantly, for my children.
In March 2010, I attended a work function. It was the annual gathering of our company’s customer service reps from all over Ontario. I looked forward to this event each year. Even though I was based at our Toronto location, I had the chance to meet and catch up with my coworkers. But this annual meeting was a special one for me. One that changed my life. At the meeting, I couldn’t help but stare at one of my colleagues who was in the same boat as I was, at the last gathering. She too was struggling with her weight loss and wanted to find a solution. She looked fabulous. She looked healthier. She looked happy. When I asked her what her secret was to losing so much weight. She answered with no hesitation “I had the Lap-Band.”
For the next couple of days, I began searching online and wanted to learn more about this “Lap-Band”. I was curious. That’s when I came across SWLC. They were offering free consultations with the surgeon so I figured why not. What do I have to lose?
I met with the SmartShape surgeon in June 2010. I was surprised at how comfortable I felt asking him my questions. I didn’t feel any judgement. I felt like he also wanted to see me succeed in achieving the healthier me. I had the Lap-Band procedure in July 2010 weighing in at 290lbs. Today, I am proud to say that I weigh 168lbs and have kept it off. Throughout these years, not only did I learn about healthier eating habits, but have maintained going to the gym and being physically active. I learned to take time for myself but also cherish the time I have with my family.
I’m very grateful to the SmartShape team and how they changed my life. The nurses are so devoted and passionate about what they do. The Lap-band is an important in my weight loss, but the staff is what made the most difference to my journey.