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I can lose weight with the best of them. I can lose about 60 lbs, and then I can gain it back plus a few extras! Let me count the ways I have done it, Medifast, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Fen/Phen, with out the Phen, working out twice a day...you name it, I have done it and been pretty successful, but I always self sabbotage and end up back in my big girl pants.
I finally made the decision last November that I was tired of the fight and had to change my health insurance at work to the plan that covered Bariatric surgery. I went for my consult in January of this year and met with Dr. Kim. I was initially going to get a lap band but he asked me a question that changed my mind. Was my weight problem a temporary one? No it is not, it is a lifelong problem and I did need a lifelong solution. When I found out the recovery period was minimal, I decided on VSG. I am glad that I did.
I sometimes am not sure I really had the surgery. I don't experience the restriction that people talk about. Every since the mushy stage, I have been able to eat everything on my plate (or in my little bowl). I can drink large amounts of water without a problem. I religiously measure my food and track everything on My Fitness Pal. I also have a Fit Bit linked up to it.
What has changed is my cravings, I used to be a Diet Coke head. I did not even consider surgery for years because I did not want to give it up. Now, I don't even miss it. I really crave water and my husband has been drinking all the Chrystal Light I bought.
I also used to get cravings for hamburgers or bean burritos, and they would not go away until I satified the craving. I don't miss that at all.
During my pre-op classes, originally needed 6 but after class 5, the requirement went to 3, I was diagnosed with Diabetes. I knew it was coming, my mother and grandmother are both insulin dependent. I knew I had to lose weight to stop that, but I didn't make it. Even though I did not end up on Insulin, I know that if I don't keep my weight off after I lose it, I could still end up there. Pretty good motivation to make this work.
I am a slow loser. It is making me nuts right now, but the slower I lose, I am hoping the chances of loose skin will not be an issue for me. I just started lifting weights again this week and I am sure that is contributing to my stall, but eventually, it will keep moving.
I have 2 girls and I really hope to set a better example for them.
So my moment when I decided back in November to start this journey was a picture drawn by my youngest daughter. I wish I had that picture so I could look back at it when I am feeling discouraged, but I will never forget it. It was a photo of her family at the park, her sister was playing on a slide and her dad was playing with her on the swings, where was mom? She was sitting on the bench watching...ouch. That was it, I wanted to be playing with them on the playground again and now I already am.
I have learned to socialize with my family and friends without food and wine.
The 2 week pre-op diet was the hardest thing I have done. I had to break up with food and it was hard and sad. Stupid, but yes, there were some tears shed...but I did not cheat, and that was a big accomplishment.
Now I am so glad I have made this decision. I can't wait to see what the future holds! 
