phil4thirteen
I've been overweight since the age of 12 and have been trying to deal with it ever since. I've only recently learned about the "disease of obesity." I always carried an underlying sense of guilt and shame that I couldn't seem to get in control of my weight. It always felt that I didn't have enough "willpower" or character strength to deal with it. I now know these things are not substantially true. Of course, I am aware that I've not always made good choices regarding eating and exercise, but my body at this point in my life, at least, essentially sabotages my efforts. I am choosing to deal with this disease through weight loss surgery. I have come to understand that this is an appropriate intervention for a life-threatening disease. It is as radical as the need to root out a cancer or to correct a heart defect, for example. I can no longer live in denial that my obesity is just an inconvenient burden physically and psychologically -- it is a life-threatening disease. I am encouraged by all of you out there who are on this journey, too -- many of whom have already passed through surgery to the other side and are maintaining health successfully. Way to go! 
I only began to consider WLS for myself this past August, when my primary care physician asked me if I'd thought about it for my morbid obesity. Since then, I've done what many of you have already done or are doing -- I've gone to a pre-surgery informational session, I've met with the bariatric nurse to get the ball rolling, I've had a sleep study and am now on a CPAP machine, I've gone for three evaluative sessions with the bariatric psychologist (she's approved me), I've joined a bariatric support group, I'm seeing a counselor to deal with emotional aspects of this, I've started physical therapy to help get myself prepared for surgery and life after surgery, etc, I've also found great encouragement through corresponding via email with some people whom I've never met face-to-face who've had their surgeries. I realize we all need one another.
I know I will succeed in this because "I can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me," hence, my username of phil4thirteen for Philippians 4:13. Also I know that in my weakness, I will find His strength. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
12/30/07
