Kim J.
My story...Well, I have an amazing husband that means the world to me! 
We have a wonderful relationship. I have 3 kids, a daughter-in-law and a grandson. I just turned 40 this Aug 2, 08. I have a family childcare in my home.
My current weight is 235 lbs. I am 5'2" tall. I'm guessing my ideal weight to be between 130-145. That sounds so unrealistic for me. I don't think I have weighed that since I was 6 or 7. I weighed over 200 lbs when I was 10. I have been heavy all my life. I have never kept weight off. I have lost it several times only to gain it back plus. 4 years ago I lost 45 lbs. I was so happy. Then one day I decided I was obsessed with weight loss. If I missed going to the gym a day I would FREAK! I guess I kind of was obsessed. SO, I changed it. I sabotaged all my hard work and went back to my old eating habits where being obsessed with what was going in my mouth was easier then working my weight off.
I joined obesityhelp.com back in 2006. I considered surgery then but chickened out. I actually started thinking about it in 2000. Just after my last child was born. I have been a big chicken until now. I look at all of my friends that have battled with weight all their lives and have been through the surgery and have had such great success. Now its my turn.
I was put on blood pressure meds earlier in the year. I have never had a problem with my blood pressure other then when I was pregnant the last time. I got motivated after I was put on the meds, but my motivation faded way too soon. I also have an 8 year old at home who also has a weight problem. I want to set a good example for him so that he won't have to live the hard life of obesity! Its terrible for a child to have to live with. I was made fun of, and I missed out on so much because of my weight. I want better for him then that.
I started my family when I was 17. From then on I have been a daughter, wife, mother, granddaughter, sister, and friend! I have cared for my grandmother with Alzheimer's and raised my kids. Now its time for me to take care of me! I am doing the surgery for my health so I can be around for all the people I love so much.
I am worried about having the surgery, but I'm more worried about what will become of me if I don't. Some people say the surgery is the EASY way out! I have been reading these pages and journals for DAYS (and nights!) And this is by no means EASY! I look at it "as a way of acquiring the right tools for the job!" You wouldn't build a house without the right tools...I'm rebuilding my LIFE!
I have so many plans for my life after WLS! I can't wait to wear my wedding rings again! I have a wonderful marriage but I haven't been able to wear my heirloom wedding rings since 1995! I LOVE shoes! But I wear nothing but flip flops and new balance tennis shoes because my feet are so wide and SHORT! I can't wait to shop for clothes! A friend who had WLS 5 years ago told me that "NO food tastes as good as being this feels!" I'm gonna remember that Janet. Thanks!
I'm gonna really try to journal my journey so that maybe I can help someone else as much as others journals have helped me. It gives me peace and joy to read every ones struggles and triumphs!
I need all the friends and support I can get! So message anytime! I love e-mail! 
