KookySunshine

I am a 38 year old mother of 5.  Since my youngest is now age 5, I couldn't really keep blaming my size on "baby" weight.  I tried everything before this.  My extended  family would come visit my house and bring their own "junk" food along because I never have any in the house.  I reaaly struggled with this decision, especially since I was a 100% self-pay.  I am only 2 days post op and I currently weigh more than I did pre-op but I'm still sporting that puffy IV look so we'll see how quick that turns around.  I'm not quite feeling "human" yet but am hopeful all of that will come fast.  My turning point came in small steps but here are a few:
I went in for a doctors appointment and at age 37 I was holding my 4 year olds hand when a nurse asked if this was my granddaughter.
I went on a field trip to Glacier Park with my 10 year old daughter.  We started the day by being warned to stick together on our hike that day because of the real fear of bears.  The hike started out uphill.  About 5 minutes in I had to decide if it was more embarrassing to stop and catch my breath or keep going and have to get hauled out by paramedics after I collapsed!  I opted to stop and catch my breath.  The group of 5th graders and chaperones made their way past me. I was still huffing and wheezing but I ventured off to follow the group.  A few more minutes in I realized it just wasn't going to happen.  I apologized to my daughter and hiked back to the bus alone thru bear infested woods because of my weight.
There were a hundred more little moments but it really all came down to realizing I needed help and I just didn't want to feel like this anymore!