Well I have been trying to blog but my blogs have been disappearing for some reason. I submitted a message to the technical folks and they said it is all fixed now. For an introduction you can read my profile but in summary I am a 47 year old overweight woman. I weighed in at 295 at the Doctors office and now I weigh 279.5 from being on the pre-op diet. I have always been able to make the pounds go away but they always return and usually with a few bonus pounds. I am 5’8” tall and large boned.

You might ask why I am electing this surgery and the reason for me is that I want to be around for a while. I have had some really bad problems with my right knee (I had surgery to cut off the meniscus about 2 years ago due to a fall) and also swelling and pooling in my lower legs. The later problem is new and not one that I am fond of. It is painful and prevents me from doing the things I love. Like hiking, walking, touring etc… I am not ready to become an invalid just yet.

I have been on every diet in the spectrum…. Seriously every diet I am sure I have tried it. I am constantly hungry and never have the feeling of being full so keeping weight off is difficult. I love food. It is my pal. It is my buddy. I love to cook. I love to try new things. I love the comfort of food. I eat when bored to help me stay awake. I eat portions much too large. I have had a long and happy affair with my food.

I had a revelation while being on this pre-op diet… I am not tired any more. I used to sit at my desk and barely be able to keep my eyes open now I am wide awake and I sleep like a baby! The pre-op diet is 3-5 protein shakes a day and maybe a broth soup here and there. I have not cheated at all and don’t plan on it. I want to succeed.

Best moment on pre Op? When I made iced tea sweetened with splenda with a fresh lemon slice squeezed in. I don’t know if I have ever tasted something so good. That was about 5 days into the diet and I had not had tea at all. It was a hot day. I had taken the dogs to the park I was so thirsty…

I know the plication surgery is not magic and I am not suddenly going to shed pound after pound. It is going to be a way for me to loose the weight and not gain it back due to the restriction.

I joined a weight loss site called myfitnesspal.com and I LOVE IT. So easy to use and so fast. It is the other tool I am going to use to count my calories after the surgery.

I live with my Husband and two teenage girls. One is 17 the other is 14. I will still cook but it is going to be much healthier. I am the most fortunate person in the world in that my Husband is so supportive. He has been doing the pre-op diet in the evenings with me so I am not so alone in my endeavor.

When I can eat it needs to be healthy and tasty. I have joked about having my own show on food network one day called Potions for Portions or 6 ounce mega taste.. I haven’t worked out all the details of my show.. lol

Surgery date is 7/16/12. I have been told to be there at 6am, surgery at 7:30am, 3 hour surgery, 40 mins in recovery then moved to post op room until blood pressure is ok, can drink something, and breathing is okay then they will release me the same day. They did tell me I will be very very nauseous and sick.

I have a friend coming to stay with me for a couple days so my husband can go back to work on Tuesday.

So… that is where I am. If anyone is interested I have made some pretty yummy protein shakes and would be happy to share my recipes with you!

I will write soon (If this works lol)

GG