SherriB4health
I'm guessing my story is similar to others.
I didn't start gaining weight until I was about 7. I had my tonsils out. I'm not sure if that has anything to do with it but that's when it all started!
Growing up, people would say the standard, "you have such a pretty face". How many of us have heard that before? It gets old.
Dad was a bit verbally abusive too. He called me names and wasn't very supportive throughout most of my life. Mom was wonderful but she was the typical 50s wife. She didn't say anything and begged me to just be quiet and not argue with my dad. Like that was every going to happen! 
In our house, dad got the best food. He ate steak while we were eating spaghetti. There were a lot of times when we all ate the same thing but dad got the lion's share. I was always being told, "don't eat that, it's your fathers". "Don't take the last one, it's your fathers."
So, when I moved into my own apartment, one day it dawned on me. I could eat the first one. I could eat the last one and I could eat everything in-between because it was MINE. And I never stopped! I was only about 40 lbs overweight then and my family and relatives still made lovely comments about my size. Standard procedure!
Over the years, I have been on every diet known to man and woman. You name it, I've tried it. I've spent money on it. Lots of money! Only to end up in the exact same place. Overweight and frustrated!
6 times before now, I had started taking the journey to weight loss surgery and each time, I backed out. Why? Same old same old...I was convinced I could continue this "by myself". Definitely not the case!
Most of my friends and family are very supportive of my decision. However, when I tell some of them that I'm getting gastric bypass surgery, they say to me, "you've done it before, why not do it again?" Meaning, I have lost weight before. However, I have NEVER kept it off so no, I've NEVER done it before! When I tell them that, they get it.
So, I'm about a month and a half away from surgery and I couldn't be more excited.
I have one of the best surgeons in the Washington, DC/Virginia/Maryland area and am looking forward to being able to move freely again!
I'm also very glad to have found this site and plan to be an active member.
Thanks everyone!!!
