Ok, so I've been lurking around this forum since December 9th, so I though I'd better just get it all out there. Let me introduce myself. My name is Danielle- my friends call me Dooter. (That started when I was young, and someone at my church picked it up again because she liked it, now that's just how it is.) I don't like to be noticed or get attention, so this whole blog thing is weird for me talking about myself, but if it helps someone coming behind me in the process, then it'll be worth it. So be it.

I have a surgery date set for February 13, and Lord willing, it will go off without a hitch, healing will be quick and the life I've been longing to return to in a manageable body will resume and I will spend many happy days with my husband and my three boys doing things that I've not been able to do being weighed down by this body of death. Grim, I know, but that's how it feels. My only solace in this body is that if it failed today, I'd live forever in the presence of the Lord. However....I'm just not ready for that. I've got lots of work to do here first.

Like all of you (I'm guessing) I've been there, done that on the diet circuit. Up and down in weight...ad nauseum. I'm 42, and I figured that if I live to be even 84, I'd have ANOTHER 42 years to live in this body that is fighting me for EVERY pound. I'm done. Done, done, done. Did I mention that I'm done?? Now...I realize this life after surgery is going to be no picnic, but for once my efforts will be rewarded with loss!!!! Now that's gain!! Wait...am I gaining or losing? I'm confused.... Well, what I DO know is that I could lose 200 pounds and not be in any danger of being too thin. I'd be thrilled with 160, but hoping for more.

I can't WAIT to start losing! But know this: I am NOT cool, so I will NOT use terms like "onederland" and "surgiversary." Sorry. These crazy lingos irritate me.

So that's it in a nutshell. I'll be traveling to the next state for the surgery and self-paying, so once I decided to do this, I was able to just make an appointment. All the testing and meetings and whatnot will be done a couple days prior to the surgery. All in one shot. Nice. Then we hang around for a week and come home. Love it. I've been praying about this for weeks and will keep doing so until all is well. I'll also say some prayers for all of you. God Bless.

--danielle