RECLAIM YOUR LIFE!

As told by Longtime Bergen County Resident Ms. Estelle Butts

Being overweight is one of the most depressing and self loathing conditions anyone can go through in life. From the horrible jokes to the stereotypical characterizations in the media and even to the life threatening diseases that come with it, nothing is 

more disconcerting then being overweight.

Billions of dollars have been spent on crack-pot inventions created only to make a profit off of the pain of people. While some have helped, others have been known to cause even more issues. The ‘aides’ are only crutches leaned on by those looking for a quick fix. Only when the root of our pain is addressed, true healing can be made.

Here’s a journey of one individual who looked beyond the physical and sought to heal the core of her situation and is coming out victorious. New Jersey native mother of three and grandmother of one, Estelle Butts shared her story with TCVOBC in hopes that it would spark 

life into those living in darkness.

Where I Was

 For many years, I ignored my body - the body that carried me around for 40 something years. My body endured the abuse, mistreatment and disrespect that I subjected it to by over eating.  I used food to soothe, comfort and even hide from the world. I felt that food understood me so well that it became my best friend for many, many years.  

I started to spiral out of control going downhill faster and faster. No matter what I did, it wasn’t helping. I began to feel hopeless – felt like I was dying a slow death. I believed that I was trapped and despite everything I tried, I couldn’t change. Repressed issues, depression and insecurities brought me to this state. I didn’t make myself a priority at all. I took care of everyone and everything else but neglected me. I didn’t see myself as important 

enough to live happy.   

As a result of emotional issues and my not making healthy food choices, (fast food & junk food are huge killers), I hit rock bottom. But I didn’t stay there. I wanted to live to see my children grow into productive citizens and have children of their own. I knew that God wasn’t finished with me and I wanted to see what I would become as well. There was no way I was going to miss out on life anymore. After much prayer, careful thought and research I decided to consider having weight loss surgery.

 What options did I explore and why did I choose 

the procedure I had?

Weight loss products, plans and procedures are a-plenty. Like others, I’ve tried everything: numerous diet fads, pills and programs. I spent a small fortune in the weight loss industry. The business has made an incredible amount of money off of our distress. Although some of these programs may be good reputable programs that have helped others, they just didn’t work for me.  I needed more assistance. I didn’t have the “know how” to get out of my situation.  For years I thought there was a fairy godmother to help you lose weight and somewhere along the way, mine got lost.  But there was a solution for me after all. I decided to have the Lap Band surgery. After thorough research, my journey began. 

Through my research, I have learned that it costs to take good care of yourself! Going through the procedure proved more than just a procedure: it literally saved my life!   

How it feels to reclaim my life?

Reclaiming my life…it’s incredible! For the first time in my life I feel like I am living and not allowing my life to pass me by. I feel like I am an actual part of Estelle’s life and not a bystander.  I have experienced so many new things and the fear which once crippled me from doing anything has begun to go away.  I’m enjoying this journey, and please understand that this will always be an ongoing process for the rest of my life.  I am not an expert, I don’t have a cure. I just realized that I have a choice.  A choice! Think on this word often.  Choose differently and definitely pray for the wisdom to choose wisely.  

What is my journey all about?

Not to minimize our struggles but at this point in history if you have heard one weight loss surgery story you have heard them all…my story is no different but it is unique to me. Unique because it’s what I have endured and will continue to endure with the help of the Lord for the rest of my life.  This is a sensitive subject for me and weight is so much more than about physical ‘pounds’.  It’s not something that goes away after you’ve reached your weight goal.  Given the right circumstance - if I don’t stay conscious about this weight issue - I can easily return to the state that I once was.    

For more information on Estelle’s story, e-mail her at estelleb45@gmail.com.

TCVOBC is not promoting any particular weight loss procedure but only highlighting individuals who have taken steps to…live.