ObesityHelp

I am 50 years old I have been happily married for 11 years to a wonderful man, between the two of us we have 9 wonderful children, 6 beautiful grandchildren 3 dogs and a cat. (Wow I really sound old.) My husband and I love to camp and fish.
I have been overweight since my junior year in high school. Up until the last 10 years I was able to diet to get down to a weight that seemed acceptable, but in the last 10 years I have just gained and gained until I am at my highest weight of 286.
I am so uncomfortable...my ankels,knees and hips ache most of the time. I am on anti-inflamitories for my hips and and high blood pressures medication.
I started researching bypass surgery about 2 years ago and have finally been approved after going through all of the necessary requirements that Kaiser and the Pacific Bariatrics group require. I went down to San Diego on May 5th to meet with Dr. Tanaka (he is going to be my surgeon) I really liked him and from what I hear he is a really good doctor. On Friday I spoke with a Kaiser coordinator and and was told to call back on Monday and I might be able to get my surgery date. Wow after waiting so long, all of a sudden things are moving so fast. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers, I am getting a little scared.
5/16/02 I received my surgery date it is June 19th at 2:30. This is so funny because my friend Brandy Wood was originally scheduled to have her surgery on that date and time before she was moved forward to May 22nd we also both have Dr Tanaka, well God does move in wonderful ways, This date is perfect for me, I am getting so excited it is just around the corner.
6/11/03 WOW...I can not believe it has been almost a year since my surgery, I have lost 143lbs and I feel wonderful, I only need to lose 10-15 more lbs to be at my goal weight. I am hoping to have a tummy tuck in August, Kaiser pays for it if you have extra skin (which I do). I am also trying to get the finances together to have a breast lift. So much of my life has changed this year, I feel like a brand new person...I am so grateful for the surgery. I am especially grateful to God for giving me the strength to be successful in in my weight loss process.