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Food is everything, everywhere, imbedded in every aspect of our lives. Today, like many many days, my boss came up to me and asked "would you like ice cream from Mc Donalds?" and naturally it is for a "reward" of sorts for good performance for the day. I looked at him and said "you know my answer" in a playful way. It's crazy how food is our natural go-to for reward. I yelled out of my office to my friend across the way, "I am one STRONG lady!" because it's true. These last 5 months, I have withstood so many potlucks, ice cream socials, food truck days, donut or bagel breakfast, boxes of dilly bars, I COULD GO ON AND ON! A part of me feels defeated, the reason why? Why couldn't I lose the weight differently and still be able to partake in some of these things in moderation? I know the answer why.... I would never have done it. I need the dumping syndrome to prevent me from partaking. This surgery FORCED my hand. The other part of me feels accomplished, strong, and amazing. I have powered through every hard moment, Candy on Valentines day, birthday party cupcakes, s'mores at cook outs, frozen margaritas at the health club pool, bread at the restaurant, baked goods at Easter, ice cream on a hot summer day,....... I have said NO to everything. I have been strong and it has paid off.

Fingers, toes, whatever - I'm rooting for you, girl!

Starting the habit sooner than later is going to make everything easier in the long run. Having a stronger heart and more efficiently running "system" will help, how much, that's going to be on a case by case basis, but it certainly wouldn't make things worse!

Congrats to the both of you best of luck and keep us posted

Great job!!! Let us know how it goes!!! I just got approved today.. surgery July 17th.

Both! Work related drinking, it's because it stands out that I'm not participating. As the wine is passed around the table, or as we are sitting in the lounge area of a bar and the waiter comes around. Just ordering water is both unusual for me and unusual in my company/industry. I'm much more comfortable fitting in than drawing attention to myself, especially in this way. With friends. I miss a nice glass of wine with a good meal. I also miss the feeling of relaxation and looseness a little buzz gives you. Things are a little funnier, stories are a little more engaging. I just feel a little "flat" when I'm stone cold sober in a group that's had a few drinks.

Love this post Ash! I agree, food is everywhere. Food and alcohol is embedded in my work life, they are embedded in my personal life. Go out on a date, let's meet for a drink. My mom meets me for lunch on weeks I'm not traveling. Extended family BBQ for birthdays and holidays. Out to dinner with friends. Vacations focus on delicious and unique local foods. With work going out for a meal and drinks is invaluable for building relationships that can't happen across a conference table or the phone. I have a love hate relationship with my restriction. I love that I am satisfied with a couple of ounces of food. It is still crazy to me. But that is such a small amount of food it is absolutely noticed by dining companions and wait staff. I hate the attention it draws. I absolutely feel strong every time I ignore the bread basket. Each time I order the chicken vs. the pasta dish. I honestly never thought I was capable of making good choices over an extended amount of time. I do really miss social drinking though. It is a big part of my work life. I feel very self conscience and awakward drinking my water while everyone else is having drinks.

I only had 24 hrs clear liquid. I'm honestly very grateful. I had my food funerals. I got some cravings out of my system. I don't at all think it has harmed my post surgical success.

Would be awesome if the sleeve did all the work...but it doesn't. I know for a fact that I could easily eat my way to gaining weight again if I started eating refined carbs. Sugar and refined carbs go down so easy it's scary...and they're tasty...and they're the reason most of us have ended up in this mess. The sleeve cannot save us from cookies and chips and ice cream and white bread. We have to save ourselves. Start putting together a forever diet you can live with. If you eat carbs, make sure they're low glycemic carbs like beans and whole grains...stuff that doesn't cause rebound hunger. Avoid sugar like the plague. Never eat over 75 calories worth of junky stuff in one day. Eat lean meats, veggies and fruit. Eat quality carbs with fiber and protein and a slow metabolic burn. Change that diet. It's hard...but it's the only way it works. Also, stay active. I think of exercise as an insurance policy against my screw ups. LOL. I know myself...and I know I have little screw ups. If i'm destroying 400 extra calories a day being active...I have more wiggle room. You an do this. Get back on the horse. Also...get back on the scale. Not obsessively....but once every week or two you should know where you're at so you can make necessary adjustments. Knowledge is power.

I agree with @Matt Z my husband was 100000% supportive before , during and after surgery, together we now set little weight loss goals for ourselves , we work out together and eat healthier. With regards to the protein shakes ; I actually share with him ( I order large quantities of the premier online ) after a good workout everyone needs protein. Coming from a woman I understand your frustration , your boyfriend is acting quite childish and maybe it is because he’s scared. Sit down talk to him and tell him you need his positivity in your corner right now ! Good luck honey this surgery was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made and I would recommend anyone who needs it to get it. p.S. when I was on a full liquid diet for my pre op and the 2 weeks post op I was losing about 10lbs every 4-5 Days talk to your doctor about doing a supervised diet as such and maybe those extra 10lbs will come off