I was blessed to receive this heart with several of my sisters in Weight Loss Surgery. They have been such a source of strength and encouragement; not to mention knowledge! We share a history of repeated successes and ultimate failures with weight loss. Few can understand what this freedom is like.
I had my surgery on June 11, 2007. Since that time I've lost 91 lbs but gained so much more. To know that I have CONTROL over my life again! To know that I can make healthy choices without my body rebelling. To know that when I do "slip up" or choose to indulge, I am not sabotaging myself; I am only enjoying the bounty of life and can easily continue on my journey.
Most importantly, I'm not looking over my shoulder anymore. I'm not living in fear that the next bite of food will kill me. I'm not afraid that the weight will all come back. I'm not afraid of what others will think of me when I walk into a room of strangers. I am FREE to be me.
I know the perception that others have of weight loss surgery. I know many consider it a cop out. That I've taken the easy way out. I assure you, it is not easy. As a health care professional, I've seen the lives effected by complications. I've also seen the people that die for lack of obesity treatment.
We all must understand that there is "more in heaven and earth than is dreamed of"- and we don't know it all. We don't fully understand the mechanics of weight loss and gain (especially when it's a chronic condition). I researched for 5 years before deciding to take this route. I gave it "one more try" on my own- and lost 75 lbs- again. And had regained it all plus many more little more than 1 year later. Sure my arthritis medications helped (I'm 35 years old), but this was the 3rd time I'd lost and re-gained. I, like 95% of people who lose weight, was unable to keep it off on my own.
I am not a failure.
I am not alone.
I am a fighter.
And all of my heart sisters are fighters too.
We are in this together.
And we are winning!