My list of reasons (in no specific order).

1. So I can be alive to see my family grow.
2. To get off of medications.
3. To decrease joint pain.
4. To make shopping easier and more fun.
5. Because I am tired of feeling like the elephant in the room! (C'mon lighten up that was funny!)
6. I want to be a good example for my children.
7. Hopefully less complicated pregnancies in the future.
8. So I can be active and do the things I want to do.
9. So I can finally feel like the pretty girl (This one might seem lame to you, but it's not to me!)
10. Because I can!!!

I have always been teased about my weight, and while I may never be skinny, I can be healthy.  As I get older I realize how little those people mean to me too.  So as you see me change and the pictures I post you can make your snarky comments, but please know that I really don't care because I am not doing this for you. :)

The Process...

Alright so after much discussion with my husband, I decided that it was time to get the process started to have gastric bypass.  Thankfully I have an incredibly supportive husband and he has been involved every step of the way.  The process for bariatric surgery is different for everyone.  With our insurance you have to complete a psychological evaluation, a six month physician supervised diet and exercise program, you have to have all your medical records for the past five years, and then you have to wait for insurance to approve you (which I hear can take a while).
As of the end of this month I have completed everything and we submit to insurance as soon as I have my last visit with my primary doctor.  I am praying that this last part of the process goes well and I can have my surgery before the new year.  I have met all of my deductibles for the year and would prefer not to pay them again.  But I will say...if it comes down to it and I have to have the surgery in January, I don't care!  This is something I want and I will get it!