I'm Not Alone

As I started this whole process I battled within myself whether I would be open about it or not. I am not as silly as to think that everyone would be happy for me, or support me or even agree with the decision I had made. Part of me thought I should just keep it quiet and then I wouldn't have to deal with the nay sayers. The other part of me wanted to shout it from the roof tops because I was so excited.

I have heard of people having WLS and then hiding out during recovery and then just saying that they have been exercising a lot and changed their eating habits and dropped a bunch of weight. They keep secret what really happened and then are forced to face the process alone. This can cause some serious issues. Emotionally and mentally.

 I chose to put it out there. My thoughts were I could share with people what I was doing and if they didn't like it we didn't have to talk about it. However, I welcomed all the support that anyone was willing to throw my way. Besides, who knew, maybe just maybe I wold be able to help someone or inspire someone else.

How grateful I am that I made the decision to be open with my journey. My whole life I have been blessed with the most incredible people to share my life with, whether friends or family. I was certainly not disappointed when it came time for WLS and all that it would entail.

I want to share some examples of the support that I have been given and continue to receive.

My mops and pops of course have been my biggest supporters my entire life and have wanted nothing but the best for me. I love being able to share with my dad what is going on and to hear how proud he is with my decision. As for my mom it always puts the biggest smile on my face to see the comments that she makes on facebook statuses about how proud she is of me.

My lady bug that I have already written about and all that she did to help me when she came out.

Women from my church who have become dear friends, that came to sit with my daily and help me with whatever I needed. One even willing to drive quite a distance to pick up pain meds for me so I didn't have to suffer.

My twins that would check in with me daily to make sure that I was doing OK and wanted to make sure that I wasn't in too much pain. Showing so much compassion that when I was in pain, either physical or emotional, would and continue to, cry with me helping me to know that I am not alone.

When I was tired of eating soft food and all I wanted to do was eat something solid, my rock star that would count down the stage with me until I could actually chew something and then celebrated with me by eating the same thing I did the 1st day of my next stage.

Three woman that are so close to my heart who also had WLS that graciously allowed me to ask whatever questions I had and shared with me things they had never shared with anyone but knew that I needed to know what I was getting myself into and needed to know what to expect.

The many phone calls, text messages, tweets, emails, and facebook messages I have gotten continuously to let me know that people are happy for me and with me along this difficult but worthwhile journey.

Being open has also helped because I can share with people my good moments and I can be open about my bad, rough moments. Just as an example I was staying at a friend's house the other night and in the morning for breakfast we had milk and cereal, something I hadn't eaten since I had surgery. Apparently my body didn't like this and I needed to puke. So I let my friend know not to be alarmed but that I was gonna be sick for a minute and excused my self to the restroom. She was so understanding and didn't make feel uncomfortable at all. Had I been secretive about my situation I would have never been able to handle this in such an easy way.

Again, I am so grateful that I have made the choice to be open with the journey I am on. I have received many messages from people that I would have never expected to, cheering me on and thanking me for inspiring them. People who week after week show up that I never even thought cared after so many years!

Even as I sit here writing about all the support that has been shown to me and is continually showered upon me daily I am tears because words will never be able to express how truly grateful I am for all of the amazing people that the Lord has blessed me with. I would never be able to have the success that I am having now and will continue to have if it wasn't for the support all of you have given me.

To you all I say THANK YOU!