I have been overweight my entire life. Even as a child, when I was a healthy weight, I was still bigger than all the other kids in my class. As the cycles of my life fluctuate, so does my weight. I've tried every diet out there and have had no luck. I'm an emotional eater. I eat when I'm sad... when I'm happy... when I'm bored... when I'm celebrating. Pretty much, my jaws never stop moving.
Last year I decided to look into bariatric surgery as an option to help me lose the weight. However, as a "hard-working" (I use that term very loosely) government employee, I had some pretty crappy benefits. So crappy, in fact, that I had to wait until open enrollment to change my insurance coverage to a plan that will cover the surgery. #painintheass
In February of 2010, I began the eligibility process to get approved for surgery. My insurance company (CIGNA) made me jump through fire-lit hoops before approving me. After six months of monthly support group meetings, six weigh-ins with my PCP, a host of torturous lab tests, and completely cleaning out my Health Reimbursement Account, I was approved! My surgery is scheduled for 12:00 noon on Friday, December 3, 2010, and I couldn't be more ecstatic.
I have been very private about this entire process, because there was a time when I wasn't sure I was going to be able to complete it. Also, people are judgmental, and I didn't want to be judged for taking such a drastic measure to lose weight. Through the monthly support groups, I have learned that not everyone will be excited and supportive of you during this process. Up to this point, I have only told my family and a few close friends. But now, I'm taking it worldwide... okay, maybe not worldwide, but this blog is a start.
Technically this is the third blog I've created. The first two where spur of the moment ideas that never really took off, and like with most things, I became very bored with them quicker than it took to create them. This one is different. This is a part of my every day life for the rest of my life. I can't forget about it or get bored with it because I'm living it.
I promise to be as real and emotionally raw as an OCD control freak can be. I want to share this with people out there who struggle every day with their weight. I want them to know that if I can do it, so can they. I hope to inspire a least one person. But most importantly, I want to live a long and healthy life. This is really corny, but I feel like Friday is the first day of the rest of my life. I’m glad you’ll be along for the journey… whoever you are.
Operation Skinny Biatch is in full effect! #lehgo
