This is my first time to "blog", although I have been a creeper on this site. I appreciate all of you so much, it has really been helpful with all my questions. I did schedule my surgery for March 13, 2012, and things are becoming real now. I'll be honest, I have been a little aprehinsive about sharing my story, my thoughts about this journey that I am on. I'm always so worried about negative thoughts, but feel comfortable sharing things here.....so here I go. I am 38, married with 3 amazing kids and I have been fighting the "weight battle" for about 10 years now. I have slowly gained a little each and every year since 2000. I am 5'6" and I weigh 197 lbs. I know some of you may think why I can't just diet, excercise and not make this drastic of a decision. I have tried EVERY diet and with each and every one I gain back all I lose plus a little extra. I'm truly in love with food and have a huge appetite, I'm an emotional eater. I also come from a family where we tend to get bigger with the years. I have prayed about this for a year. I know I could wait until I'm 200 + but then I will live the next few years with this overwhelming guilt, unhappiness, and my every thought being consumed by what I look like, how big I am getting, what I am going to eat, what I did eat, etc., etc. I feel like I have the best years ahead of me and this is what is best for me. I want to be the best me I can. My entire family rodeo's, and believe it or not I ride as well, although its a struggle the bigger I am getting. I love going and watching my kids, but I have such a passion for it and want to continue to compete. I know my body and my mind are not on the same page. I'm not sure if I started this blog for me, or maybe to help others....maybe both. Thank you, Texasgirl73
