I am no different than the thousands of other overweight people in the world. All my life I have battled obesity. I remember being a young teen and my Mom taking me to an osteopathic physician who provided me weekly shots and pills that was essentially ineffective.

I was at a managable weight until I got pregnant with my first child and gained 60 lbs and really didn't lose it and then three years later got pregnant again. When I turned 40 I decided I was tired of being overweight.

So I stopped snacking between meals, cut my Coca Cola consumption to one a day (my afternoon snack) and I ate what everyone else ate but way smaller portions. I did not eat after 7 pm and I walked religiously every night snow, sleet, rain or shine. I was the mailman. lol I lost weight, kept it off and felt the best of my life although I was still not at goal weight.

Due to years of abuse to my knees and body they gave out. Because you see I did not let an overweight body keep me from doing what I wanted to do. I played softball, snow skied, hiked and played soccer. Eventually though I was unable to walk much anymore and bad habits came back into play and now I am at the weight I am, miserable, unable to have knee replacement due to my BMI and sitting watching the world go by.

I am 56 years old leading the life of an 80 year old. I seldom leave my home except for Doctors appts and I have my groceries delivered. Two years ago I got remarried and unfortunately my husband now does things by himself because I can no longer accompany him.

So......I made the decision that enough is enough. I am too young to be like this. I have plans. So TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF MY LIFE.

I am scheduled for gastric plication in November. I am counting down the days. I can do this preop and post op diet because there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. I am hoping to inspire others by blogging.

As I start my preop diet I will keep you all informed and promise to make it not as lengthy.