DCGirl26
Well, I'm the fat girl with the pretty face that is always the funny and smart friend but rarely gets her own chance to shine. I have always been confident despite, and perhaps in spite, of being overweight most of life. I think I felt as though by being an overachiever I was bringing something to the table, since I couldn't bring physical attractiveness. I started gaining weight right around pre-puberty (maybe 11 or 12 years old) even though I was a very active kid. I have three sisters and this is the case with all of us while my brother remains relatively thin. Most of the women on my mother's side suffer with thyroid issues and subsequent weight problems including my mother who is also overweight. My dad was very active and thin until his 40's when he quit smoking and gained a significant amount of weight. I had always been dead-set against WLS. I thought that it was extremely dangerous and would never have imagined finding myself on this jourmey. As I write this I am just 6 days away from having surgery (April 28, 2008)! I know a few people who've had the surgery and have personally seen the way their lives have transformed for the better. I am having the surgery at a Center of Excellence and have done a ton of research about the procedure. I've lost some pre-op weight (albeit totally last minute) and have remained active. I'm ready. I'm ready to jump into the unknown and take my life back. As an affirmation, here are some of the reasons I'm taking a drastic step to get healthy: 1. I want to not worry about blood pressure, sleep apnea, heart problems, high cholesterol, higher cancer risk and many of the other problems that are associated with living as an obese person. 2. I want to not be the fattest woman in the room for once. 3. I want to never again think about whether or not I will fit comfortably in a booth, airplane seat, plastic lawn chair, folding chair, etc. and be able to be more spontaneous about life. 4. I want to feel physically full after a normal meal. 5. I want to face my real problems and not cover them with food. 6. I want to stop avoiding my reflection in full length mirrors. 7. I want to be able to bike ride, throw on some sneakers and go for a run, go to the beach without embarrassment. 8. I want to feel as valuable on the outside as I do on the inside. 9. I want to travel, travel, travel. 10. I WANT TO LIVE A FULL AND PURPOSEFUL LIFE!
