This is harder than I thought it would be.

But here goes.

I am having bariatric surgery on June 27th.  I am undergoing the gastric sleeve procedure, which essentially takes away most of my stomach. What this tool accomplishes is that it takes far less food to feel full, so one intakes far few calories. Protein first, vegetables second, and carbs hardly ever. I have been approved through the VA to have this surgery because of my morbid obesity as well as several other co-morbidities.  Christopher (who has been extremely supportive) and I will travel to Palo Alto, California on the 25th of June.  This decision is about my health and not my waistline.  It’s about being around for my family for the long run.    It is a decision that has been years in the making and one whose time has come.

I’ve made many lifestyle changes (including incorporating regular exercise) in the past couple of years that, I believe, have helped me realize that positive change is possible and sustainable.  However, the most important changes have been mental and emotional. After years of beating myself up about every little thing, I have now learned how NOT to treat myself like the enemy.  Who knew that self-compassion and self- acceptance would be the game-changer?  Carl Rogers once wrote “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” I have found this to be true.

As I move closer to this transition, I thank you in advance for your prayers and positive thoughts. I’ll be back to check in periodically along the journey.

Peace.