Today I told my congregation at Rocky River Church that on August 18 I am having Gastric Bypass Surgery. Since I’ve decided to go public with my decision, I feel like I can openly share some of the details and answer some of the questions folks have about my surgery.

- This is not something I decided to do over night. I have been working through a ten-month process that has led me to this point. There has been a lot of thought and prayer and conversations with family, friends and doctors and TONS of research.

- I have struggled with my weight for nearly my whole life. It was mostly up and down until after I graduated High School (and stopped playing sports). Since my early twenties it has been a pretty steady climb to the weight I am today. I’m still embarrassed about how much I weigh right now but I’ll share that down the road. Let me lose some pounds first. ☺

- I’m sure there are folks thinking that I’m taking the “easy” way out with the surgery. That’s what I’ve been saying for years about other folks who’ve had this surgery. But I’ve learned over the last ten months that there is nothing easy about it. While it is not an easy way out, it is a way out. It is a TOTAL life change for me, and my family too.

- This journey toward Gastric Bypass surgery began in October of 2009. I basically went to see my doctor to talk with her about putting me on a weight loss program. Immediately she said, “Jimmy…looking through your charts I can see that you have struggled with your weight for years. I can tell that there are times when you are working on your weight because I can see the 20lb drops. But then you gain that back plus another 10lbs. Now you are in a hole - a BIG hole. Why not consider a more permanent solution? Lets consider Bypass surgery. You are young, strong and healthy (except for the weight) and a perfect candidate.” She doesn’t “do” the surgery so she has nothing to gain by recommending it. She has my best interest in mind. I trust her. So that began the process.

- I chose to go with Bypass rather than lap band surgery for a couple of reasons. First, the lap band and pump stay inside of you forever. For some reason that grosses me out (it’s a personal thing only). I don’t want something inside of me like that. And second, I have a LOT of weight to lose - more than most people lose with the lap band.

- I have my mental struggles with all of this to be sure. I feel weak in a way. I feel weak because in some areas of my life I am so strong. I have accomplished a lot. Yet, this area of my life has overcome me. And I feel like I should be able to conquer it but I haven’t been able to for all these years. Honestly, I don’t want to waste any more of my life. For ten+ years I have felt trapped inside of my own body. Honestly, I don’t even recognize myself (as a way of speaking) when I look in the mirror.

- Most of my reasons for wanting to shed the weight are selfish. I know some of you are probably thinking, “Of course. Nothing wrong with that.” But the truth is that when you’re a pastor you get caught up in taking care of everyone else. And there is a certain amount of guilt when you do something for yourself. I’ve had to overcome some of those feelings - at least where my weight is concerned.

- I will probably be “down” or on a limited schedule for about a month. It is just a “play it by ear” kind of thing for a while. I’ll be in the hospital for a couple of days post surgery. And then we’ll just see from there.

- I bet you’re wondering how much weight I’ll lose. By my surgery date I will have lost about 40 lbs. already. By the time my birthday rolls around in March (the 25th), I could be down as much as 125lbs. That’s 40 lbs pre op, and 85 lbs. post op. But it varies so no way to know for sure.

- Karen and the kids are very excited. My whole family is to be honest with you. They all have worried about me for a long time. This is a relief for them - more than I had expected.

My church family is excited too. Their response today was overwhelming. Like, I almost couldn’t handle the emotion of it when I told them today.

Anyway, there’s a lot more but that’s the gist. I’ll be posting more in the days, weeks and months to come. Please keep me in your prayers. Thank you!

God bless!
Jimmy