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So today is surgery day I just checked in at the hospital. Surgery in 2 hours. I'm so excited not really nervous at all. It's been a long 10 months of preparation so I'm definitely ready to take the next step. Here goes nothing🙏🏻

I decided to share my story with you all. I'm a sudden cardiac arrest ( also known as sudden cardiac death) survivor. I was at work on October 30th 2015 when I was stricken. I was clinically dead for over 5 minutes. I was revived with the use of an AED (automated external defibrillator). I also suffered from mild cognitive impairment, kidney failure and laryngeal edema (swelling of the larynx) which was so severe an emergency tracheostomy was performed on me. I spent 30 days in the hospital with majority of them in ICU. The total survival rate from sudden cardiac arrest which kills 17 million people every year worldwide is only 1%. I am a walking and talking miracle and thank God everyday for my miracle. I was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy ( severe thickening of the lower left ventricle in my heart) which was the cause of my cardiac arrest and had an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) surgically implanted in my chest to shock my heart back into rhythm if my heartbeat becomes irregular. I have been advised by my cardiologist not to engage any strenuous exercises due to my enlarged heart. I've been obese since my late 20's (I'm 51 now) and decided to have WLS after years of failed diets and exercise, I decided to take control of my health once and for all. I had RNY surgery on April 11th and to this date, I am 93 lbs. down with in just a little under 5 months with 50 lbs. to go until I reach my goal weight and I feel great! I accomplished my current progress without exercise due to my restrictions. Follow your post-op meal plan closely and with time, you will see and feel the weight coming off. I just want let you all know, if your journey is slow and your faith is low, I want you to keep your head up! Just remember this, you did not become obese overnight, it took time and it will take time for the weight to come off. I'm sorry for taking up your time but I just felt compelled to tell you my story since we're all brothers and sisters in this journey.

Well, it is here. I must say 3 months went quickly. I’m drinking clear liquids only today and then at 6pm I have to do the dreaded prep. I guess the bathroom will be where I spend most of the night... I don’t know why I need to clear out my colon for VSG but I will comply...

I started at a BMI of 40. SW was 209. I am almost 3 months out and have lost about 25 pounds. So I have lost about 33% of my excess weight. While this is a lower amount of loss it is the expected percentage for 3 mths out. It is so hard not to compare to others but there are so many factors that effect rate of loss from starting weight, gender, hight, and medical considerations. So I am averaging about 2 pounds a week. I am OK with this rate loss as long as I continue to trend down. Best of luck on your journey and remember to follow your plan, drink water, move, and enjoy life. New_Me 2019

I didn't have to do any prep. I'm glad that sounds like it would suck. Good luck! You'll make it :-)

I haven’t tried on a costume in years, mainly because I could never fit anything. For some reason this one is so symbolic to me. I wanted the girls to dress up in a incredible costume but they had other ideas of what they wanted to be this year. Maybe next year 😂 . . Do we like it 👍🏽 or NO 👎🏽 . .

Not diagnosing and please talk to your doctor. But generally it's better to be on the low end of normal for WBC's. It generally means your body isn't having fight off anything or make repairs. For instance smokers generally have high end normal to slightly above normal WBC's due to their body having to constantly be attempting to repair all the damage smoking causes.

Surgery was earlier today. The pain was somewhat intense after waking up, but it’s being well managed now! I just went for my first walk around the unit and let out some burps. No gas is coming out the other end yet. Keeping ice chips down, and not sure when I’ll move to medicine cups of water but hopefully soon!

it's a stall. Your 500-600 calories a day is fine - and do NOT worry about calories at this point. Only focus on protein and fluid intake. you are what we call a "lightweight" and you're not going to lose nearly as fast as someone who starts at over 300 lbs. Combine that with the stall and....you're probably right where you need to be. Just stick to your plan. The weight will start to drop again once the stall breaks, and you WILL lose your excess weight as long as you stick to your surgeon's plan.

For the past few weeks the scale has been going back and forth between 198-200lbs. I refused to count it until I was under 197-today is that day😄😁 1st goal get under 200lbs met!