Family: During winter break, I spoke seriously with my mom about considering the option of surgery. It’s not that I needed her permission since I am an adult (even though I’ll always be her baby), but I will always want my mom’s approval on anything I do in life. Heck, I needed her to ok my bedroom paint color before I could decide! She’s never stood in my way with anything I really wanted if she felt it was sensible and appropriate. She was initially weary (still is) but has become my greatest supporter from the very beginning. She knows how badly I want/need this tool to live my life properly. I was a little worried about telling my brothers because they are big-mouths But I know they could be a great source of support. My oldest brother is thin and never had to struggle with his weight, whereas my middle brother had yo-yo’d a bit while he was in college and undergoing a lot of stress in his life. He is at a healthy weight now, but I know he would like to be more active. He has become very interested in my journey since the beginning and has pledge to be apart of the healthy eating in our house. I’m shocked to see how involved he has become in my progress, and I couldn’t be happier. I haven’t told my older brother because he hasn’t been home recently, but I plan to eventually. I truly hope that my weight loss journey will become a family-lifestyle change that will prolong our time together.

Friends: I love my friends like family, and we are motley crew of personalities. Yet, I never spoke to my friends about my weight, even with those who have struggled with their own weight. I just never felt compelled to go in depth about my issue, though we would sometimes workout together or share low-fat recipes. Maybe we will begin to share our war stories, but I don’t feel the need to explain to them my reasoning behind going through with the surgery.