Well it's my 6 month surgiversary. I am excited and am getting pretty close to goal. I'm 143 lbs and 5'4". I am BARELy 5'4" and I feel I would be best at about 125-130 lbs. What really "scared" me into doing something about my weight--and ultimately choosing surgery--was finding out I was diabetic type 2 last summer. I was 35 at the time and was really surprised. I knew I was overweight--BMI 38--but thought I'd have to be much heavier or much older before diabetes would ravage me. I was wrong. I had probably been living with uncontrolled diabetes for a couple of years. I just hadn't been to the doctor in a while because I was scared of the scale and ashamed of myself. I didn't want to get scolded by a doctor when I'd scolded myself enough. It explained the changes in my eye sight and a few other issues I'd been having.

I did try to lose weight without surgery one last time but it just wasn't working. I always could lose some weight but it would come back on with a few extra pounds. I realized I had to do something more permanent and that I needed HELP. It's hard asking for help. It's hard admitting that losing weight "the old fashioned way" and keeping it off just doesn't work for a lot of people. I admitted it and so glad I did.

My diabetes is in remission. I refuse to say I'm cured. I personally know some people who have had weight loss surgery and said they were "cured"  of diabetes only to gain weight back and eat sugary foods again and the diabetes CAME BACK. So I have to remain forever vigilant in keeping the diabetes in remission.

I am thrilled with my surgery. Has it been perfect? No. I was lucky to have no complications and very little post op pain. I have been able to tolerate food and my restriction has been excellent. I have had a couple of stalls. I have had a few weak moments where carbs or sugary foods were calling my name and I just wanted to reach out and gobble them down. Then I think about WHY I got surgery--because I was unhealthy and diabetic. I won't go back there. I have 2 little girls and a husband who need me. I have to be stronger than food. It is just there for FUEL. Food really can KILL me if I let it. The great thing is--I can tell food GTFO and live my life. It is my choice. I am honestly so grateful I had the chance to get the sleeve. No health insurance with weight loss surgery coverage--no excellent credit for a good loan--no generous family members offering to help me out with a loan. Just a great husband who helped me skrimp up just enough to go to Mexico with some hard work and being smart about finances. I treat this sleeve like a true gift because it really WAS.