JerseyGirlShirl

I'm just begining my weight loss surgery journey, and discovered Bariatric Pal via Facebook while on a search for resources to help guide the way. I've been overweight for most of my adult life, but it's only in the last three or four years that it's gotten to the point that it interferes with my life. I have many co-morbitities, including fibromyalgia, herniated discs, pre-diabetes, and hypothyroidism. I'm in constant, chronic pain, so needless to say, exercise isn't possible beyond walking my dog up the street and back.

Things came to a head last month (July 2014). I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes and my weight was at an all-time high. I also turned 42 and was hit with a stark realization; I'm only eight years away from the age my father was when he died.

My dad was morbidly obese for most of his life, and he passed away at age 50 from heart disease (among other things). I had to face the fact that if I didn't do something drastic about my health, it wasn't out of the realm of possibility that I could face the same fate.

After meeting with my primary physician, I signed up for a Weight Loss: The Facts seminar. The fact that it was scheduled for the day before my birthday wasn't lost on me! Renewed health is the best gift I can give myself, and I'm so glad I went.

I'm still in the earliest stages of surgery; I had my initial consultation, had a surgery date set, and now I'm in the process of getting my pre-op clearances done. My first nutrition appointment is tomorrow, which I'm actually looking forward to. I'm glad I stumbled upon BariatricPal; it really helps when you can talk to other people who have gone through the same thing.

Ok, the My Story instructions suggest sharing a bit about my personality so y'all can get to know me. Um, okay, let's see.... I'm a Christian, totally "one of those Jesus Freaks" lol! That's a huge part of who I am - my decision to have surgery was made with a lot of prayerful consideration. Maybe goes without saying, but I love PureFlix movies (yes, the cheesy ones by David A. R. White!) and I still love the Left Behind series.

I'm also an artist who thinks art journaling, lettering, drawing and painting is the bees knees. I can lose an entire day just playing with craft supplies...all I need are my favorite old movies and time. Eventually I'd like to open an Etsy shop or go through Society6 to sell my work, but now isn't the right time (and I don't think I'm that good enough yet).

So that's it in a nutshell, I guess! I'm looking forward to meeting and talking to y'all! God bless you on your journey!