Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes!

It's been a long time since I posted here with any regularity.  For that, I apologize.  I've had a lot going on.  Last summer, I decided to have weight loss surgery -- a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy in which 70% of my stomach was removed.  Once I made the decision and set myself on the path, my life then got consumed with doctor's appointments, medical tests, evaluations, consults and follow-ups.  The sleep test experience that I blogged about a few posts ago was part of that process.

The good news is that, with the exception of being obese with some high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type II diabetes (non-insulin dependent), I don't have other major issues and was a good candidate for the operation. 

I had the operation on January 25th and am now on the post-op recovery and transition process.  Believe me, it's a process.  I started on a liquid diet two weeks before the surgery.  For the first ten days post-op I was limited to clear liquids.  Now I'm on "full liquids" until I see the doctor again on February 24th.  It's boring, but my remaining stomach is still healing and my digestive system is adjusting.  Boring, but effective.  I've lost 36 pounds as of this morning.

I've started a separate blog, devoted to the surgical process, the changes in my life and health, my past history with weight, food and body image issues, and the promise of an amazing transformation ahead.  If you're interested in joining the discussion of that part of my life, please visit me over at Weighty Matters.

A lot of people have asked why I made this decision now.  I think it's a fair question and one that's sort of universal for anyone who makes a big change.  Why do two people who have lived together in a relationship decide to get married?  Why does someone leave a long time relationship?  Make a drastic career change? Cut off their long blonde hair and dye the remainder red? 

For me, I'd hit the point where I realized that after struggling with diets and my weight for most of my life, I needed to do something serious, some say drastic, and irrevocable.  I'm 54 and my body demonstrated to me on a daily basis that if I continued without change, I would be disabled by the time I reached 60, or I'd die before getting to that age.  This is my line in the sand.

Ten years ago, I made another big change.  I left my home in New Jersey, moved to the Florida Keys, and started a new career that has been the most amazingly wonderful thing for me. 

Two major changes with different motivations:  One motivated by desperation and the realization that it was time to put up or shut up and die; One motivated by the bright promise of being part of a terrific mission and involved in something greater than myself.  

Different motivations but both changes improve the quality of my life.

So, I ask you, readers, what changes have you made in your life?  What changes would you like to make?  Do you know why?  What keeps you from making the steps?