Big Decision BIG

After prayer, reasearch, and a lot of thought, I think I have decided to get gastric bypass. I know this is HUGE. So much to contemplate. I also know going into it that it will not solve the problem alone. I have to do my part and be very diligent not to gain it all back. Here's the reasoning that has led me to this point:

I have two friends who have had it done about a year and a half ago. My aunt had it done over 10 yrs ago. My two friends are really happy with the results. Both have said it is a new lease on life and they have so much more energy. My aunt has gained some back, but not all of it. She still looks much better.

I have wanted this for many years. Money has been the biggest factor. Also I was still having children. We are done with pregnancies (yes my husband got "fixed" as my sister likes to say). We have been careful with money and have good credit. We have been thinking of refinancing and just keep putting it off. Maybe it was so we could do this all at once and take out enough money to get the surgery.

My sister just sold us a car and we were able to make the payments without having to do a loan. That gives us three paid for cars. We are lucky because we have no shame about driving old cars. We think of cars as transportation, not status symbols or luxury items that we can't live without. So we shouldn't have a car payment for a long time.

So we worked out the biggest challenges. Then on to the risks. Yes, they are big and I could die. I am lucky because I have had several surgeries and I recover well. I am in remission right now with my Ulcerative Colitis. I just have a good feeling about it. All of life is a risk and I will have to put myself in God's Hands.

I am still praying about it and doing all of my research. This isn't a quick or easy thing. It will take a long time just the get to surgery. Then I have a year and a half to two years of losing before I can get the tummy tuck/breast lift. I will be doing that because I have had eight kids, and very large twin girls. They were 7 and 6 pounds. I got an umbilical hernia. It was repaired, I got pregnant--it ripped again, and then repaired, and then ripped again. That is where I am at. Still need my hernia repaired. Anyway...just dream with me for a second. Flat stomach that doesn't sit in my lap when I sit down!!!

My sister-in-law said that she thinks I will be so happy to be down again, that I won't want to go back. It worked for Star Jones. I will keep you posted on my final decision and if it all works out. They could exclude me because of my autoimmune disease. I will be with you all on this journey for the rest of my life, surgery or no. I love this blog and it gives me a chance to really express all the feelings I have about being overweight.

Oh, and I got 44 points for last week. I will need to be more diligent than ever to start getting into the habits for the surgery. Liquid diet sounds really fun. You are also supposed to lose before the surgery to help your heart and lungs be ready for the surgery. We can all lose weight in the short term when we are really motivated, the surgery just helps you take care of the bigger picture.

Try not to judge:)