Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Tomorrow is a big day

Well, tomorrow is the beginning of a new me. I haven't posted anything more about my thoughts about gastric bypass surgery but I continued investigating it and seeing if my insurance would cover it. In the process of getting everything together for pre-certification I found out that I have high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. I also found out I'm anemic which may account for my being tired all the time. I also had to write a history of the different things I've tried in order to lose weight. I found that in retrospect I've tried harder than I thought I had. I even worked out with a trainer for a year and continued on my own for another six months and was only able to lose about 40 lbs and I did eat more sensibly during that time.

I felt this way before but after reviewing the last 18 years of my battle with weight I believe that becoming the slim person I once was is not possible without a drastic change. Years of bad eating accumulated and now I'm all messed up with appetite and metabolism. So I find myself in the position that gastric bypass is the best answer for me. I do not agree that it is the answer for everyone and it is not a magic bullet. I am going to have to watch what I eat for the rest of my life and I have to exercise regularly if I want to become my true outer self.

Years ago I read about gastric bypass and all the things you have to give up and I thought no way, that is too hard. I also don't like the idea of altering my body that way but now I've been disgusted with my body and food enough that I am so ready to give up what ever it takes. I say all this not because I feel a need to justify my decision but to give encouragement to others. Try your hardest to lose the weight with healthy eating and exercise but also examine yourself and if you find that you can't do it on your own then do what you need to get healthy and to live life to the fullest.

I am so looking forward to walking in the mountains and riding my bike without dying from hauling all this weight around. I hope my friends will all help me stay accountable with becoming a more active person. This does not mean that I will be giving up Scrapbooking.

Well, tomorrow morning at 7:30 am is the big day. Today is the last day I will be this fat. I can't tell you how much of a difference that is going to make in my life because even I don't know. It will be a challenge but a very good challenge.

4 comments:

Misti said...

I'm so excited for you! I'll be praying that the surgery goes smoothly, as does your recovery. Let me know if you need ANYTHING!

Anonymous said...

I will be praying for you and your recovery. Just know you are a beautiful person and created just as the LORD would have you to be, You are a joy to be around and I am thankful to know you.
Godspeed my friend...
Donnesia

Kimberly said...

Oh wow Laurel! This is an amazing step. I so want to do this but the fear of the excess skin really freaks me out. I am so going to support you 100% and I am praying for you now. Please keep us updated and GODSPEED to you through this LIFE Altering change!

Alexzillasmama said...

Hi Laurel,
We are in Peachtree City right now, otherwise I would have dropped by to see you. I hope that you are out of the hospital and resting comfortably at home. You will be in my prayers! You are always beautiful to me. Since we live sooo close, I will be happy to help you out anyway that I can!