I haven't had any type of surgeries and I'm still a very slow runner and I also use the word "runner" loosely.
As for the weight issue, I'm not one of those that can just go lose weight and exercise because it's the right thing to do to get healthy. No....I have to have a more concrete goal in sight. Signing up for the 1/2 last January gave me that goal. I
had to train for it or I wouldn't have a chance of finishing. I wanted to quit several times because it was so darn hard but through the encouragement of my friends and the Dissers here, I stuck with it and finished. My husband was not opposed to me doing it but he really didn't encourage me either...at first. He knew that I never stuck to anything (athletic-wise) before so why should this event be any different. Toward the end of my training, he changed his tune somewhat and now he's in training for the 1/2 in '08. I think he was jealous of my Donald medal.

He rides in road bike races but they don't get a medal just for participating.
Back to the weight issue (sorry, for rambling , lol). I ended up losing ~33 pounds for the 1/2. Now, I'm signed up for the full next January. I need to lose
at least another 30 pounds.....more would be better. I'm hoping that my training (that I'm starting to do now) will help me accomplish this goal. I must say, I do feel healthier now than I did a year ago. I just got back from a two week trip to Italy and I noticed that I didn't get as tired from all the walking and stair climbing as I have in the past. I even climbed up a church dome without breaking a sweat - quite an accomplishment for me!
As for you, I think you should go for it. Try to find someone (for free or otherwise) to help you with your kids so you can do proper training. For the encouragement, the folks here on the DIS boards are a great resource. Feel free to PM me. I'll send you some doses of encouragement, kick in the pants, a shoulder to cry on whenever you need it.
Good luck with your decision. Don't forget - the Mickey medal this next year is a special "secret" medal....just another reason to do the full!
