Armygalbonnie

Hi Everyone!!!
 
I am in the initial stages of my weight loss journey.  I'm scared, yet excited!  My weight has been an issue since I was a small child.  I can remember starting Weight Watchers for the first time, when I was in the 5th grade.  Even though I've always had "a beautiful face", my weight seems to be what people have judged me by.  I've accomplished a lot in my life, but yet my weight has kept me from being everything I can be.  It's time for change.
 
Back in 2002, when I was 39 years old, I joined Weight Watchers (again).  This time it stuck and I lost about 110 lbs.  I worked really hard at it and the only way I could lose the weight and maintain it was to workout 5-6X a week, for about 2 hours a time.  In 2003, I made a huge change in my life and joined the Army!  Who joins the Army at 40???  I'm now convinced I was having a mid-life crisis and instead of buying a convertible and getting my hair cut, I joined the Army.  All joking aside, it was the best decision I have ever made!  I love(d) the Army!  I was serving my Country and providing a service to my brothers and sisters-in-arms.  I am a Dr. of Audiology, and I knew the #1 and #2 disabilities from the global war on terrorism, was hearing loss and ringing in the ears.  I wanted to serve my Country.  I was very proud of myself.  Here I was this girl who always had a weight problem, but now I was fit enough to be in the Army.  I felt very accomplished.  I had convinced myself that I would NEVER return to being an obese person and I actually kept off the weight until 2012.
 
In 2012, I returned from a combat tour to Afghanistan.  While in the "sandbox", I was hurt in a vehicle accident.  I injured both shoulders, my left hip and back.  When I came back to the good ol' USA, I was sent to a wounded warrior unit.  I spent the next 2 1/2 years getting "fixed".  During these 2 1/2 years, I had 5 orthopedic surgeries, received care for PTSD and was diagnosed to have Rheumatoid Arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease.  Between no longer being able to workout, being placed on an anti-depressant and taking large amounts of steroids, I quickly gained 50 lbs.  I started a downward spiral. My commitment to myself to never return to being obese, was shattered.  I am the only one to blame.  Even though I have numerous anchors in my body from surgery, I still deal with pain every day.  This weight is only making it worse.  This is what brought me to the decision that I need bariatric surgery.  I was medically retired from the Army, but I still receive all my benefits.  My Army doctor has been very supportive in my desire for surgery.   With his blessings and referral, I am now on my way!
 
I'm very thankful I found this site, and I look forward to posting my progress and cheering on my new friends!  Thank you everyone for just being you!
 
Bonnie (Army MAJ retired)