Marta's Meanderings

I've decided to be completely up front about what I'm dealing with. I'm morbidly obese, I am HIV+, I have lyphedema, lipoedema, sleep apnea, somewhat high blood pressure and I'm borderline diabetic.

The picture at the left is me at my sons wedding in August of 2009.

A year and a half before this  I was at my highest weight which was 585.  I checked myself into a nursing home for some extreme physical therapy and nutrition support.  By the time I left the nursing home I'd lost almost 185 lbs.

Since the wedding, I've had a breast reduction and have lost about 50 lbs...the picture on the right is me now....please don't look at the goofy expression on my face! lol.

Me weight was 427.1 when I was at the surgeon's office for my pre-surgery appointment the other day. I'm not sure of my measurements, but will get those later.

As  you can see I've already come a long way in this journey... now is the next phase.  I'm trying to prepare for this surgery, but I'm not sure anyone really can.  I can figure out what I can and can't eat afterwards, but I know there are going to be some pretty big emotional hurdles to go through yet.  I'm amazed that by the time I turn 51 in March I could be down 100lbs....the is mind blowing to me.

If any of you have had this surgery...please let me know...

Wow it has been a while since I posted.  So much is happening in my life that I thought it was time to get back to this blog...to use it as a diary of sorts about the journey I've started...

For those that know me, they know that for the last couple of years I've been working on losing weight.  This road has been difficult and I've been tempted to throw in the towel more times than I can tell you.  During the process I've discovered a lot about myself, I've changed my entire way of eating and I've come to a stronger relationship with God.  

At this point I feel I've done what I can on my own...I'm struggling to keep going.  It's now time to take the next step - Bariatric surgery.  I've always avoided this, but feel like it's the right thing to do at this point.  I know a lot of people will think I'm taking the easy way out, but this isn't going to be easy.  It's going to be one heck of a fight.  

I'm hoping to blog as much as I can about preparing for the journey and the aftermath of surgery, as honestly and as completely as possible for two reasons:  as inspiration and information for anyone else setting forth on this path, and also so that I can look back and see how far I've actually come!

You'll also see a book blog or two along the way.  I've kind of strayed from this but am looking forward to doing it again.

Love you all!