The decision to have surgery in Mexico was not an easy one. But no insurance benefits under my health plan for any obesity related treatment (I don't know if that will change under the new healthcare plan law) -- that made the decision easier. In 3 weeks 6 days, I turn 55 and I will have been obese (FAT) for at least 30 years officially. And 30 years of trying to lose weight and to be healthy is long enough.

I thought I was fat as a teen and now realize I was just right....5'7' and 135-145.....but definitely voluptous and bigger than the cheerleaders who all seemed to weigh 90 pounds and were about 5'1" tall. Got married and gained 25 pounds but still was within normal. Went on the pill and gained 25 more pounds...and it was officially "on". Got pregnant, lost 45 pounds after baby and then gained 60 (with the encouragement of my (now ex-) husband. (seriously...he would bring home 2-lb bags of M&M's and a large pizza for each of us.....bagels, ice cream, "you deserve it"). :ph34r:

Since age 24, I have tried Diet Center, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem, Medifast, Optifast, Adkins, appetite supressants and oh, let's not forget the fen-phen. Every single time I lose 20-30 pounds and STOP. The Medifast/Optifast, I knew exactly how many calories I took in (approx 800) and lost NOTHING for a month (I figure my body thought I was dead or something).

I am thinking of VSG as a kickstart with extra kicks built in. A tool to be used and that continues to be used. In the next 9 days, I quit smoking. (Dr. 's office said quit at least 4 weeks before surgery).. On August 3, I start 10 day preop but am supposed to lose 5% of body weight before 8/13. Along with taking and passing a huge test for my work the week of July 24th. Gonna be an interesting month.