myfester
Most of my life, my weight went up and down. It wasn't til after having my son that my weight went up and stayed up. I'd lose maybe 10 or so pounds thru diet, but could never make that diet my permenant way of eating, so weight went up and I'd gain more than I'd lost. Eventually I developed high blood pressure, sleep apnea and high cholesterol. I finally got to a point that I just gave up trying to lose weight and tried to eat better to at least maintain it. My decision to have gastric bypass came because of my risk of stroke and other diseases due to metabolic syndrome. I didn't want to get diabetes as well, so I began my research to see if I could live with this drastic decision.
I'm 6 1/2 weeks post op and have lost approx. 30 pounds and I feel great. Of course getting my daily allotment of protein and fluids are a challenge, but it's a challenge I can work thru. I'm feeling extremely well. I'm able to enjoy my job as a pet sitter much more now. I can even run and play with them.
My family and friends tried to talk me out of the surgery, mainly due to the fear of complication of the surgery, but they were very supportive of my reasons to do this. They are all amazed at the small amount of food I can live off of, but they are so happy that my health has improved and that I'm happy. Of course there may be that family member or friend that can't stand to see me lose weight (while they remain overweight) and may think I've cheated to lose weight, but I don't see it as cheating. Not being able to have that favorite food or donut or whatever; measuring food items daily; making sure I don't miss a supplement; is not easy. I would love to have that McDonald's Hot Fudge Sunday, that piece of pizza, to continue eating way more than my pouch can handle when eating a yummy meal is a diet just as they may need to diet. I'm fortunate enough now that the hunger pains don't make me give up and the fear of dumping syndrome is enough to keep me from trying sugar items.
It is getting easier every day deciding what to eat. I'm looking forward to reaching my goal...but even more, I look forward to getting rid of that damn CPAP machine!!! 
