First of all, thank you to everyone who replied for your encouraging words. Secondly, my facial expression in the pre-op photo was, "How in the hell did I get this fat?" Thirdly, WG, you can call me anything you please; as long as you call me!
Seriously, this was not an easy decision. I had to be willing to give up all of my security blankets in order to do this properly. And I had to find out what I was substituting food for (dangling participle; I know). In my case, it was love and affection; something I never got at home. So I ate to make up for the lack of affection. In order for this surgery to be successful, I had to resolve that issue. This is why I get so emotional about my wife. Without her, this wouldn't have worked. Her love for me fills the holes in my heart and life and makes me complete. Because of her, I am free from the addiction that was killing me. OK, gotta stop. I'm gonna cry.
Anyway, it took about 3 years to finally make up my mind to have this done. And I'm not sure why I waited so long. It's great to buy my clothes from a "normal" store and not the big and tall. In fact, I buy most of my clothes at garage sales. Just this morning, I bought Hollister, American Eagle, A&F, Old Navy, Kohl's and Columbia clothing. And paid $17.00 for all of it!! Life is good.
Thanks again for the kind words, everyone. I'll post more pics as I hit my goals (50 lbs to goal weight). At some point, there will be a body lift (posing shirtless, woohoo! No more manboobs, wooooooooohooooooooo!!!!!!!!) and I'll put up some pics of the results. Anyone with questions or comments about WLS (RNY or lap-band), feel free to PM me and I'll be happy to share my experiences. >-Greg
