June 5, 2008

I have been an elementary school teacher for 34 years. With retirement not just a mere vision anymore, but a viable conclusion to an enjoyable career, I knew I must get my life and health under control. For most of my adult life, I can remember being overweight. I was so tired of fighting the fight, diet after diet; Weight Watchers, Slim Fast, Atkins, South Beach, Physician's Weight Loss (that one landed me in the hospital). The only thing I lost besides a few pounds was my hair. Goodness, I'm destined to be an old, fat, bald lady.

With two grandchildren and a hearty spirit, I made up my mind that this summer I would "really work hard to get my health in order." It was actually going to be another goal set for yet another summer. I was going to start on the South Beach Diet plan which I liked above all the others.

Then one day I get "THE PHONE CALL." Now for those of us who are FAT (might as well admit it), we don't like to be reminded of our problem. Our family is tired of hearing us say we're going to go on another diet, or this time will be different or I'm really ready now. Well, that's how it was with me. So imagine my surprise when my sister, Stef, calls me up out of the blue and asks me what my plans are for this summer. Well, of course I told her. I'm gonna get my health in order. I'm going on "ANOTHER DIET!!!!!" And this will be THE ONE. Stef was so happy to hear me say that and right away a red flag went up because I don't think my family members were ever happy to hear me announce yet another diet plan. But Stephanie went on to tell me that she had been conniving (my word) with my daughter, Rebecca. Oh I forgot to put Rebecca in my profile. But more about her later. Anyways, she had been lamenting to her aunt about her mom's poor health and her worries about my eating myself into an early grave. (my words again).

Stephanie thought about this for a long time then made the call that would come to change my life.She called mom to see if she would foot the bill for my surgery and then proceeded to check with all the sibs to make sure they didn't feel slighted by losing a small chunk of their inheritance. My thoughts were reinforced when I learned that my family really did love me and care about me and it's not about the money, it's about 'our sister.'

So, I've taken the bull by the horns. I am scheduled for my Lap-Band surgery on Friday, June 27th, 2008. This will be the first day of the rest of my life. Follow me on my journey.