Since making the decision about a month or so ago, I've lost 9 pounds (yay!). I'm training myself to be satisfied with smaller portions, as that will be necessary when the size of my stomach is temporarily changed by the surgery. (go to www.lapband.com for more information about the procedure I will be having).
Now I'm sure you're probably thinking, "Well, you lost 9 pounds on your own, why the surgery?" My quick answer to that is that this is the GAJILLIONTH time I've lost 9 pounds on my own. Give me another month and I'll magically gain 20!
And some of you - many of you who I know and love and have shared this with - have said, "Don't do it. Love yourself the way you are. You're good being you. Don't change. Love you!" and while these are all great sentiments (all of which I appreciate, thank you very much), I'm doing this BECAUSE I love myself.
It's not what you think...I'm not doing this to impress a guy, to wear size 4 clothes, or to be able to walk in 3 inch heels (although, those are things I plan to do when I finally lose the weight). I'm doing this because I want to live a long life. I love ME, and I want to be able to love ME for a long, long time. If I don't lose this weight, that won't be possible.
Besides, I have 2 driver's license appointments to make and keep, 2 high school and 2 college graduations to attend and plan parties for, 3 weddings to plan and celebrate, and any number of grand-children and great-grand-children to help raise. If I ever needed any motivation to do this, all I have to do is look in the mirror, or talk to the two great people who call me mom - my children.
Can I do this without the surgery? No. I've tried. This is a well-thought out decision, that was based on my consideration of all the pros and cons. I've talked to professionals and to people who have had the surgery - this is the right thing for me. Please understand.
My blog will keep you up to date with my progress - the ups, the downs, and all the in betweens. And if you ever wonder if I'm really doing the right thing, just look at that picture...that's me loving me. It's all good.
This is me, signing off, and just being "Red"...
