Surgery Scheduled for 4/18/2011

Hello! I am Tia from Richmond, VA. I have been considering this surgery for about 9 months. I got serious about the possibility in November when I realized my insurance would cover the procedure. I have jumped through all the hoops and received final approval. My surgery is 23 days away and I can't believe I am actually getting the opportunity to do this. I am so excited about what's ahead. I have been reading other people's stories both the good and the bad and I still feel like the benefits outweigh the risks.

Like most people on this site, I've been overweight my whole life...my earliest recollection was when an evil twin (she literally had a twin sister who was as sweet as can be) classmate asked me if I were pregnant. I was in the 1st grade...the beginning of a life long battle with weight. I am 32 now and the mother of 2 young sons. I've gained over 100 pounds since I graduated from high school in 1997...I thought I was overweight then! I would love to be about 10 pounds lighter than I was in those years to feel "normal."

So I get my start on what I hope will be a new way of life. I try not to get too excited about the prospect of a thin me...but with hearing everyone's success stories, I just can't help it. For the first time in like FOREVER I have hope!