You are *gasp* morbidly obese

A group of friends and I went on a girls trip to Galveston Texas.  We had a really good time, lots of good food and drink.  Then I saw the pictures taken.  I was so ashamed at how my body looked.  It was round, really round like a big beach ball.  No wonder I have hip and back issues.  I am a freaking beach ball with legs.  I realized I had to do something about this.

Once I made the decision I had to lose weight I knew I could not do this alone.  I have been trying off and on for years to lose weight to no avail.  I had deprived myself then felt defeated seeking solace in my only true friend, or so I thought, food.  I knew people that have had one form of bariatric surgery or another.  Some had great success, others not.  Once I decided I needed to take this path I discussed my decision with my primary care physician.  He had me go see a counselor and it was determined that I could be a good candidate.  Then, I dragged my feet.

Just like a spouse that has come to the hard decision their marriage is no longer working I had to come to the realization that a divorce was in order.  Or a death - mine.  My mother died at 59 years of age and I have had this fear.  Was my heart in bad shape because of me being so fat?  Would I die young? 

Another visit to my PCP.  During the visit I heard the words morbidly obese.  I knew then I had to make drastic changes.  I poured myself into research and I decided on the vertical sleeve gastrectomy, aka VSG or gastric sleeve.  When the time came for me to meet with my surgeon I was well prepared to make the decision with my reasons for my choice.  As indicated by previous blog posts I began "jumping through hoops" and meeting all the surgery requirements my surgeon and insurance required.   Today marks 12 week since my surgery.  I have learned quite a bit since I began this journey.   I look forward to the lessons to come.

Today's stats:
Total weight loss 43 pounds
Weight lost since surgery:  31 pounds
 Total inches lost: 24