DollyS
I am a 46 year old woman ready to embark on a journey that will save my life. I am scheduled for gastric bypass surgery on June 12, 2007 with Dr. Joseph Chebli and the team of professional at Northwest Hospital Bariatric Surgery Program in Seattle, WA.
I have struggled with my weight since I was in grade school and gained 50 pounds in a year. I remember my mom and physician discussing this but I did not understand how it was a bad thing and what the big deal was. My confusion was compounded by my feelings of shame and embarrassment. Next thing I know I’m the only child in a Weight Watchers meeting full of adults. My mom, bless her soul, was trying to teach me good food choices when I couldn't comprehend why ice cream (dairy) was a bad choice. It just got more mixed up from there. Fast forward through years of emotional eating, diet pills, exercise programs, self doubt, weight loss strategies and diets and here I am, morbidly obese, an insulin dependent diabetic with high blood pressure and sleep apnea. OK, so I am more then the sum of my medical issues and it has been that realization that has put me on this path.
Last October I began seeing a psychologist who works with people and their weight issues. It has been with her guidance I have been able to get to a place where I know I am ready for surgery (the tool) so I can be the woman I am without the extra pounds. Frankly, I am looking forward to not having to suppress or stuff or carry this extra person inside me. What a relief it will be to match up what my minds eye sees in the mirror (a normal weighted self) to what will physically be there.
I don’t doubt for a minute that this path will be challenging. I know it will be. I also know that the rewards both big (being able to chase and play with my daughter) and small (fitting into a seat at Key Area for a concert) will keep me headed in the right direction.
