The beginning. Kind of.

I was going to call this post the beginning. But it's not the beginning. The beginning started a LONG time ago... before I can remember. But honestly, I don't want to think about that right now... that's a discussion for another post. This is going to be a NEW beginning. A new beginning... of a new me.

So why start a blog? Why am I willing to share this with... PEOPLE? The answer is simple, in my mind. It's because I have failed so many times, I need accountability. I need people to answer to. Otherwise... why is this time different from any other time? (ma nishtana... hahaha)

So. Here it is. What I've been dreading... the BEFORE:

There it is. There's me. All... gulp... 297 pounds of me.

Before I let you go... I'll give you some information as to what's going on, and how I'm planning on changing my life.

This all started in November when my dad suggested (not for the first time) that I check out Bariatric surgery. I went to a session held by Dr. Alan Posner's office at Buffalo General Hospital, and the following night my dad and I went to a session together (again by Dr. Posner). I've done a TON of research, and have decided that the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy is the right fit for me.

HUH?

Yeah, I know. That was my first impression too. Long story short, it's a surgery where they permanently remove about 80-85% of a person's stomach, therefore promoting weight loss.

Why this and not the Gastric Bypass? Many reasons, which I could get into in another post, but mainly I don't want to have to deal with dumping syndrome. (If you don't know what that is, you can look it up or ask me about it.) Among other reasons.

What is the timing on this? I honestly don't know. What I do know is that I have a LOT of doctor's appointments ahead of me, and I'll be sure to keep you updated!

The other thing I'm doing NOW is going to the gym and eating healthfully. I joined LA Fitness this week, and am already noticing a difference in how my clothes fit and in the size of my stomach. Is it too early to notice? I don't know. But what I do know is that I've been going twice a day to work out (given, it's not for a whole lot of time, because I just can't handle it yet) but it feels amazing whatever I am doing. I'll hopefully have a personal trainer once a week too, starting next week.

As for eating, right now I am semi-on South Beach diet. I'm not following it strictly, but I AM eating much more healthy than I have in YEARS. And it's making me feel great.

So. I think that's a pretty good blog post for now. I'll keep y'all updated on my progress, as that's the whole purpose of this blog anyway!

TODAY: 
10 minutes on the bike (level 13)
5 minutes on the elliptical
10 minutes on the treadmill (incline at 7, 2.0 speed)