Hello everyone! I am 32 years old and 253 lbs and am 5'5". I finally reached the point where I just don't think I can lose 100+ lbs on my own. Even working out I feel like I have a fat suit on making me just want to give up. I barely ever saw more than a 5 lb change since I had my last baby 3 years ago. It is time for me to do something for me. I just didn't realize how hard it would be to get other peoples opinions not to matter. It seems like everyone has an opinion on what you should or shouldn't do.

So, I have had my 1st appointment with my Dr. Dr Friedman was great. He had said any medical records from the last 6 months (blood/xrays/ekg's) could be used so we didn't have to redo them. I still had to have a new EKG and get about 15 vials of blood taken (felt like they owed me a cookie and oj!). I had already been cleared by PSYCH at Psychiatrics Associates. We set up my appointment with the Nutritionist for this Monday the 29th Oct. If I get an all clear from her they are going to submit me with whatever bloodwork is in within 2 weeks and I have a tenative surgery date of NOVEMBER 26th!

I am more excited than nervous about the surgery being soon. It gives me 25 days before we leave to go visit family for xmas. I am hoping to be on pureed foods by then. I have done tons of research on food options, the procedure, and what to expect. I have never had surgery before, and I will be about an hour from home when I am in the hospital so I don't know who will be with me or how often. I am supposed to be out within 2-3 days. I have already started doing Zumba and Crossfit workouts now to get back in the mentality of working out. I am just hoping that my recovery with be relatively simple with no complications.

One of my biggest struggles in the is whole thing has been OTHER PEOPLE. The "I think this is what you should do" crowd. I had a (gastric sleeve/lapband) and you should too. The "I heard about this person who..." telephone game. I even had to combat my hubby thinking "If you just do X amount more workouts". Luckily I came to the realization that they can get on board my "train of thought" or I am just going to run them over and move on. It was a hard tactic for me because I am pretty non-confrontational. I am convinced that I am making the right decision...FOR ME. As my Dad said to me " A new year, a new you." I think I am here under the "fat suit"...somewhere.