So, here it is. May 23rd and tomorrow I start my liquid only diet.
Let me give you a little background on how I got to this point.
I have always been on the "chubby" side. When I was little, I would gain weight in the winter, but i was so active in the summer that it all came off. I think the time I really started to have difficulties was when we moved from NY to CT in the mid 70's. It was a difficult time for me, because we moved while I was still in high school. I came to CT not knowing what to expect.
I think my comfort became food. It was the only thing that was familiar to me.
In my 20's is when I really began to notice the weight problems and began to experiment with different types of diets. I had no problem taking weight off, but I could not keep it off.
I tried weight watchers, slimfast, all sorts of fad diets. I even used dexatrim for a long time.
I was happy, but still continued to have weight issues as I got into my 30's.
I had 2 failed marriages, and during my 2nd one, we tried to have a baby. I was told that I probably couldn't conceive because of my weight.
That turned out to be a blessing, because that marriage ended in 1997.
It was at that time that I met the man of my dreams, John and I couldn't be happier.
We met on AOL in '97. After talking online and on the phone for 6 months, John came to visit me. It was amazing and 1 month later he quit his job, loaded up his car with his belongings and 2 kitties and drove from Colorado to CT to be with me. 13 years later, we are happier now than we were all those years ago. We were married in 2002. That was a bitter/sweet time for me, because I was at my heaviest. 263 pounds. We had a very informal wedding in our apartment with our families and a couple close friends.
When I saw the picture of myself on that day, I cried. I was completely disgusted with myself.
Because of that picture, I started dieting, bought a treadmill, and lost 50 pounds.
But, as usual, it didn't stay off.
John has been my rock. He completely understands and supports me in every way.
In 2009, one of my co-workers had the Lap Band done and when I saw the results, I knew it was something I needed to look into.
I went to the required seminar in April, and decided to do the surgery.
I began to have 2nd thoughts on whether or not I could actually stick to the diet after surgery, so decided not to do it. The surgery always stood in the back of my mind, and in June, after doing much more research, I made an appt to see Dr Papsavas at The CT Surgery Center in Glastonbury.
At the time I weighed 228 pounds. The Dr told me he hoped I would qualify for the Insurance to pay, because he didn't think I was heavy enough. After going through the tests that were required, it was discovered that I had acid reflux, type 2 diabetes, and had already been diagnosed with depression. I also had arthritis that I think was exacerbated my weight.
I went through all of the testing, the psych evaluation and 6 Nutritionist appts, and then came the time to submit all of the findings to the Insurance Co. That was on Feb 18th. A couple of weeks later, I received a letter from my Insurance Co. My surgery had been approved!!!
It was time to see the Dr again and schedule a date for my surgery. Although I was very anxious to get the ball rolling, we had a cruise planned for May 1st. I considered doing the surgery before the cruise, but then came to my senses. I wanted to have a great time on the cruise, and didn't think I would be able to get the foods I needed on the cruise, so I decided to delay it.
The job I work at requires me to be there for the end of the month, so my logical choice was the beginning of June. The Dr's office scheduled me for June 3rd.
One of the requirements prior to surgery is that I go on a 10 day liquid diet prior.
That starts tomorrow and I'm NOT looking forward to it. However, I want this whole life changing journey to be a success, so I will do what I need to and it will be over before I know it.
I have always been an optimist, and that won't change now.
I can conquer this diet, and this weight issue and be better for it!
I will try to post on a regular basis and would love for you to come along on this journey with me.
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