Day 30 – Thankful for Weight Loss Surgery
I guess you could say this is my official announcement on the blog, but I’ve decided to have weight loss surgery and it’s scheduled for December 30 in Dallas. It’s been a tough decision and I hope to not get a lot of negative feedback, but today I’m thankful for the resources and the decision to have weight loss surgery.
This is Howard and me in June 2015 before our weight loss surgery.
I’ve mentioned briefly in some of my posts that Howard had weight loss surgery, specifically Gastric Sleeve surgery, on August 17, 2015. As of today, he has lost 122 lbs and is feeling so much better. He still has a few heart issues and can’t go back to work yet because of his defibrillator being put in, but he almost feels like a new person these days.
I didn’t know how I felt about the surgery at first, but I knew that he needed it in order to lose the weight and start to get better. He was having so many health issues and was approaching 500 lbs so it needed to be done. Now that he’s had such a successful surgery and is doing so much better, I’ve decided that it’s my turn!
On December 30, I am going to head to Dallas and have the Gastric Sleeve surgery for myself. It’s not an easy decision, and I hope I don’t get a lot of negative feedback, but I know this is something I need to do for myself. I’ve tried diets. I’ve tried lifestyle changes. I’ve tried eating the right things and exercising. I’ve lost weight and gained it back. I have come to the conclusion that this is what I need to make the changes in my life that will get my health back.
As of today, I weight 350 lbs (at 5’6″ tall) and I’m super morbidly obese. I know this surgery is not a “fix”, but it is a tool that will force me to make better choices about what I put in my body. I will only be able to eat about a quarter cup of food at one time so I’ll need to make the right choices with that quarter cup. I’m making some big sacrifices for this surgery so I know I’ll make this successful.
I can’t wait to keep you all updated on my progress!
I know there are people out there who will disagree with my decision and I know that some of my friends are even completely against it altogether, but I hope that they will respect my decision to handle my body in my own way and trust that I have thought about and tried other options that are less intrusive.
At this point, I can’t think about all the negative anymore and I can only look forward to the surgery and my new life. I see the positive changes in Howard every single day and I know that I can do this. I’m excited to get things going and start the rest of my life!
So, today I’m thankful for weight loss surgery and for the potential for some positive changes in my life and my family’s lives.
I want to thank all of you who followed this #CrazyThankful series throughout the month of November. It was probably the most difficult and most rewarding series I have ever written on this blog. It’s no easy feat to write a post a day about being thankful (and getting pneumonia right in the middle of it wasn’t fun, either), but I feel good about all of the posts and I feel better about life in general. If you missed a post, just check back to my Thankful posts round-up to catch up. Thank you for sticking around with me and I hope you enjoyed it!
I so appreciate your honesty on your blogs! I’m so excited that you have taken this step to get healthy in your life! I just wish we lived closer so we could walk together! I’m so inspired by you and am honored to be your friend!
Best wishes in the new year! Thanks for sharing.
Don’t worry about what others will say, this is your decision and what is right for you and your life and that is the only thing that matters. I wish you the best on this new journey you are about to begin.
My mom had a similar surgery and it honestly saved her life. When I was a kid she could barely take me school clothes shopping because she winded so easily. When I was in high school she ran a 5k with me. I am really grateful for her decision.
Debra recently posted..Combi Infant Shuttle Travel System Giveaway
I’m so glad that you made the decision to become healthy. Good luck on the surgery. I pray that everything goes well. Keep us updated.
OurFamilyWorld recently posted..Great Family Movies about Sports & Teamwork
My sister had this surgery in March. It was such a good decision for her. She is so much happier and more importantly healthier. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Jen K recently posted..Santa Came Early
Being healthy for your family is super important!! That looks different for everyone!! Best of luck with this surgery and recovery!! I’ve had many friends do it and it is life changing! All good reports! I hope you will chronicle your progress here!
Roxanne recently posted..On The Eighth Day of Service Express Your Gratitude
Best of luck to you! That is a huge decision and I know you did not make it lightly. Having our health is everything. And I know what a b**** it can be to lose weight. I struggle with it everyday as well. Having watched your husband go through this surgery makes you even more aware of the risks, challenges, and benefits. I will be thinking of you and sending you lots of positive thoughts!
Stacey recently posted..How to Make Your Christmas Tree Glow and How to Fix Broken Christmas Lights
I wish you the very best on your journey. Anyone who judges you is not worth wasting a moment thinking about — I have friends who have had this surgery and it has worked wonders. Best of luck!
Good luck to you both! Sounds like your husband has been super successful so far, that is great to hear. I know it has been a tough journey, so I hope this helps you in a way that nothing has before.
I hope that your surgery goes well and personally I commend you for having the courage and determination to be healthier. You will still be the same beautiful soul x
Ana De- Jesus recently posted..Therapy: House Of Fraser Review
Wow, good for you!! This is a huge step toward better health and a long life. It’s really a gift to your whole family. Hope it goes perfectly!
Esther @ The Cuteness recently posted..4 Ways to Make Your Toddler’s Birthday Morning Special
It’s your life, and it’s your choice. No one should shame you for wanting to be healthy. It’s not an easy choice to make. I hope the surgery goes well for you!
Kathryn recently posted..Christmas Cookies and Natural Food Dye (Vegan)
It’s easy for people to judge, people who don’t know what you go through. You can only make this decision for yourself as everyone’s situation is different. If this is what’s best for you, go for it with all our best wishes and a heart full of courage. Keep us up to date.
sarah recently posted..Author Spotlight: Jessica Dall
A huge good luck to you! It’s hard to be so open about vulnerable topics, so we appreciate your openness!
Jaclyn recently posted..A Classic Gift for Any Girl by Anne Klein
Good luck on your weight loss surgery. My prayers for you. You are the best person to judge if you need one or not. Good to hear that you go by your decision and don’t bother about the negative feedback.
Revathi Palani recently posted..Nutty Snowball Cookies
Congrats to you both!
Tara recently posted..Tools to Fight Frizz & Humidity and Get Shiny Healthy Hair
Thank you for your post, I am also going to start this on December 9 is my surgery, I am scared, excited, but encouraged by your blog, that I to might be healthy one day.
Margaret, good luck on your surgery! Please come back and let me know how it goes. I’ll be blogging about my experiences as well along the way!
Hey Janet!
Sending you lots of love and prayers and best wishes! I hope everything turns out well and you can start feeling healthy, energetic, and ready to jump into life again. Love you!
Sarah
Mrs. Sarah Coller recently posted..Vintage Show & Tell: Antique Louisa May Alcott Books & Planning My Winter Reading
Thank you so much, Sarah! Love you, too!