Lelia
I don't see myself as a fat person; I see myself as an unhealthy person. I've always been the "solid" member of my family but have generally been okay with my body regardless of the number on the scale. I am now brushing 48 and feel physically awful. Two years ago, I started looking seriously at gastric bypass. I just recently read that's the average time most people take to make the decision.
My reason for wanting gastric bypass is 99% health related. I'm an active gal -- renovating my house, working full time in a busy engineering firm, throwing pottery, exploring the mountains -- and I find my body is complaining more and more and I'm taking more and more medications for my co-morbidities. I have faced the truth and see that if i don't do something [other than what I've been doing], I will not likely live much past 50.
Death does not scare me. I have a great deal of personal faith. Becoming more and more debilitated frightens me greatly. I am stubbornly independent and my greatest fear is having to rely on someone else for my daily, personal needs. As I continue to "bulk up", I find it harder and harder to move, bend, walk, etc. Regardless of how many years God grants me on this earth, I wish to live them well.
I have a wonderful supportive husband of 25 years and an equally wonderful supportive son -- both of whom have pledged their full support throughout this journey. I want to bounce around with any future grandchildren and retire as a healthy, happy potter/farmer/craftswoman/artist. 
My consult with Dr. Spencer is January 8, 2010. I am excited!
