BetterLeah

Grew up on the chubby side, but when I was 16 I lost 60lbs. I kept weighed 130-145 for the better part of 2001-2007. When I got married in 2007 I struggled with emotional stress and adjusting to my new life and husbands eating habits. By the time I got pregnant in November 2008, I was back up to 200lbs. Long story short I gained 30 lbs...then in 2014 I had my 2nd child, gained another 30, had my 3rd in 2015, for the most part kept at 260. Then the next 6 years I gradually climbed up to 306lbs. It was depressing and all i wanted to do was eat everything in sight, but at the same time I wanted to starve myself. Through out the years I have tried weight watchers, calorie counting, quick solutions like zeal weightloss products, golo glp1 pills, low carb, etc... But it never lasted. I would lose 10-30 lbs but I couldn't keep it off because none of the diets were sustainable long term.
I know what I need to do, I always have. However my back has gotten worse over the last couple years, and my feet started swelling this year. I turned 39 in March 2024 and I could see my life flash before my eyes. I only have a short time before my kids are out of  my home, and all our vacations and outings have to be planned around whether or not I will be able to participate or not. I want to go hiking and take a plane across the country.... I don't even feel comfortable sitting in theater seats which are everywhere now, school performances, church, and other venues. I just want to show my kids a different side of me! I want to enjoy my kids. I want to see the change by the time I am 40. LET ME BE CLEAR I do not expect to lose all my weight in the 5 months from my surgery to my 40th birthday. However I do expect to see some change....and be on that journey! Although there are some fears of the unknown, I am more excited than anything! 
I would love to support fellow "bariatric pals" on ourjournies!