[swtpeach]

My family's reactions have been a mixed bag. Of course they are all worried.. who isn't when they hear their loved one needs surgery.. but to be choosing surgery...

When I told my (thin) sister, she said I could do it with diet and exercise alone, and offered to help me because she "needs to lose 10 lbs".. we could "do it together"....

When I told my mother, she was a little guarded.. she was obviously very worried, and said she thought it was a drastic step. However, since then, my health has decreased significantly.. I developed DVT and related issues, and since she also had DVT (and has since passed away), I'd like to think she is now looking down on me and rooting for me to get healthy - by any means necessary.

My two aunts are supportive, saying that I need to do whatever I feel I need to do, and for that I am grateful. They both say that it doesn't matter what anyone says, if I think this is the right thing to do.

My husband has been extremely supportive, now that he knows the facts, and my kids (bless them) both wrote letters to OHIP asking them "to fix mom's tummy so she can do things with us again"... I am also so grateful that all of my friends are very supportive. My best friend is as excited about this as I am, and insists on a once a month 'date' to take pics and measurements so that I can chart my loss. LOL

I am thankful for each and every one of them, and their support.

peach

[DocSanae]

Swtpeach, it sounds to me like you have a great cheerleading team there for you. I am sure those who are not yet completely won over will be, once they see your progress and how much your health improves.
Yes, elective surgery will sound to some people rather outrageous, but if it's an option for controlling your health, the choice is yours to make.

Here's another in your cheerleading section. may your journey go well.
(((((HUGS)))))

[CraigT]

It is so good to have the support of others, and confusing at best to witness the lack of support from others.

Bottom line though is that this is a very individual decision that must be between you and God. You release most of the need for others approval, the more you take full resposibiltity for the decision. Truth be told, you have full permission to just say "because I want to". Ahh, but that freedom now puts the responsibilty for the factual decision is in our lap.

Really good to have you here.

[Pillows]

You can always tell your sister that you would be more than happy to workout together before and after your surgery recovery. Just because you are having surgery doesn't mean that we don't need that part of our life to improve. Hopefully as she sees you get stronger physically and emotionally she will realize that this is a great tool for you to use to get where you feel you need to be. It sounds like you will do just fine with a great cheering section behind you. Good luck, and keep us posted.
Janae