My letter to close family and friends (pre-op)

****** MY DISCLAIMER: Some of the wording in this letter I lifted from areas of the website, and I did not indicate so... please don't get mad at me for stealing any 'lines!!!' This letter is to my close family and friends, and I made them each a little 'booklet' with info on the surgery, foods, hospital stay, care etc... *************** On Tuesday, September 21, 2004 my life will change forever... for the better! As you already know, I will be having RNY Gastric Bypass surgery at Memorial Medical Center. My family and friends are my support, my life and my love. Weight loss surgery can be a very private and personal matter. Many people that I've 'talked' with online have family or friends that don't understand the struggle with obesity. They sometimes have a belief that obesity is simply a lack of self-control. When someone believes this and hears that you are having this surgery, they may judge you and believe you are "taking the easy way out." As you will find in the many pages that follow, there is nothing easy about what I am undertaking. There is pain, physical changes, emotional changes, and many unknowns that lie ahead for me. I want to share these with you so that you can continue to be my support. Some people simply tell their family or friends that they are having stomach surgery, or having their gallbladder removed. However, I firmly believe that an honest and forthright approach is best, combing that with my confidence in decision I have made and with the knowledge that I have the right to choose what is best for me. You will probably be alarmed with the section I have included that details the risks involved. Believe me, I have spent months researching these risks, and hours praying about them. Please understand that severe obesity itself is a chronic, frequently progressive, life threatening disease. I am in pain every day from the damage I have already done to this 30-year-old body. This surgery can relieve my pain, and although it might not undo all of the previous damage, it will put a stop to it. There are times when my heart is torn, and I pray that I am not making a selfish decision. I need to be a good mommy to my two beautiful little boys. I need to spend many more years with my supportive husband. My grandchildren need learn things from me, not about me. My heart is open for you, so I hope that yours in turn will be open for me. The next 2 pages that follow list the "100 Reasons I Have to Lose Weight" and believe me, there are some very personal things mentioned. But, as someone who loves and supports me, I know you will understand my need to share. Love, Katie

Very well said

Simply wonderful, Katie. ~Cathy

That is so Awesome Katie....and also very informative for your close family and friends so you will not have to explain over and over again what you can and can't eat etc. So helpful and it should show all of them that you really care and love them to go through all of that effort to help them understand. I will be there on the 21st I have all the numbers you sent me so I can check in...etc.. Ramona