MindPrep HW1

1. Over the past several years, maybe a decade or more, I've thought about what it would be like to get weight loss surgery. It was basically a pipe dream for me though since I didn't have health insurance. When I did get health insurance in mid-2013 I realized this dream could become a reality. Over time my weight has slowly crept up (with some times of significant weight loss in there too). I was near 400lbs, a weight I thought I'd NEVER see. As I gained weight health problems arose, diabetes, high blood pressure, gout, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, sleep apnea etc. And the daily aches and pains of lugging that weight around. My relationships suffered in that I couldn't do as much "stuff". Active things like I loved doing when I was younger. I currently get cramps at night because of my job. I know this would be alleviated also if I were thinner. This is the perfect time to get this done before my weight gets completely out of control. I'm still relatively young and it's time to take charge of my life so I can get the most out of it now and in the future.

2. Almost everyone in my life has been very supportive. My two best friends Mike and Sean especially. But also my friends at work, acquaintances I see and meet, and other good friends/people I've told about the surgery. When I told my mom about it a few weeks ago she didn't seem to excited about it but I just think she doesn't realize how important it is for someone like me. She wasn't against it. She just emphasized exercising a lot to me. Everyone important in my life I've already told. If I do come across someone who it against it I'll let them know the benefits of it and the success I've seen.

3. I'm excited about this incredible opportunity to have this tool to finally help me get in shape. I'll live longer, feel better and be able to do more with my life. So many aspects of my life will improve as I shed the weight. I'm looking forward to getting off most if not all of my medications. To being able to shop in regular stores for clothes. To be more active and do more fun activities with friends. To be able to do my job better/easier. To feel more confident. To be able to show the world the person that I really am. I'm concerned about the long term eating. I don't want to fall back into bad habits once I lose the weight. So many people gain much of the weight back because they don't stick with their diet and exercise. I'm confident I can do it but I know it will be a day to day challenge.

4. I plan on walking up a flight of stairs and not feeling winded. I plan on taking a trip back to Colorado and exercising at Red Rocks amphitheatre. And going up the 402 steps straight through. I plan on getting on a plane and not making the person next to me uncomfortable and not have to wear a seatbelt extender. I'd like to visit my father in Hawaii and pay my respects to him. It's been too long since I've seen his burial site. I'm going to maintain a weight of LESS THAN 300lbs for the REST OF MY LIFE. There is NO reason I cannot accomplish this goal with this incredible tool I've been blessed with. I plan on becoming a healthier, more confident man and finding a partner in life that shares my lifestyle goals and ambitions.

5. I'm tracking my food on MyFitnessPal. I'm walking more. I'm joining a gym. I'm finding local hiking trails. I'm cutting out sugar from my diet. I'm cutting out soda from my diet. I'm limiting my caffeine intake and cutting out coffee. I'm drinking LOTS of water. I'm letting everyone know about my new lifestyle so they can support me.