Just an introduction to anyone who ends up here:

I have been an overweight person my entire life. At some times more than others. Currently at the highest level ever, and I'm not happy with it. Who would be?

I have been considering weight loss surgery for years, but never had the insurance coverage for it, so never researched it in-depth.

Working for a company who is a big player in the finance world has opened this opportunity for me now.

At 26 years old, I realize it's time to quit playing around, saying that some day I'll lose the weight. Next week I'll make a change, with the change never really coming.

I have consulted with my insurance and primary care physician, and after waiting many years, I have my first surgical consulation in a mere 12 hours.

I am both nervous and excited, and I'm hoping for the best.

If you choose to stay here and go on this journey with me, be prepared that I will not be censoring myself here. This is why I created this journal specifically--to give my other LJ friends a choice to become involved or not.

There will be frequent photos, especially after the surgery. Many may be unsafe for work. I will always include a LJ cut with a warning, but I will not feel bad about offending you or posting upsetting post-op images. If you don't like it, you know what to do.

If you're in this with me, I look foward to sharing the experience with you.

Buckle your seatbelts, ladies and gentlemen; it's going to be a bumpy ride.