After many years of research and trying to lose weight on my own, I finally decided to take the next step...vertical sleeve gastrectomy. In three hours I have my first appointment with the surgeon. I am excited.

I have been obese all of my life except for the two years I met and dated the man who became my husband. I lost weight on a starvation diet...fasting for 6-8 days and then eating 400 calories a day for 2 days and then starting the cycle all over. I also worked out three times a day and went out dancing every night. We went to Aruba on our honeymoon and I gained so much weight in that week that I couldn't wear my clothes home. No, I didn't drink and eat outrageously. I just ate food. My body wasn't used to food.

Since then, I have gained and lost more pounds than three adults together weigh. However, I can never lose more than 20 pounds and then I regain it.

I've been diabetic since the age of 25, type 2. Put on insulin when I was 30. My goal is to decrease or eliminate insulin with weight loss and exercise. I pray that the sleeve helps me.

So here's to the first day of the rest of my life!:cursing: