NikiS

Whew...I remember those days. I was so excited to do the pre-op diet because that meant I was getting closer to having surgery. Hang in there! If I remember correctly it was around Day 4 that things got to be easy-breezy!

I'm sure your friends and family have your best interest at heart but like you said you have to do what's best for you. Everybody is different. You know how you want to feel and what you want to look like so why not go for it?! I say pray about it, talk it over with people you trust - ones that will support your decision, and then do what's best for you. Whatever you decide, I wish you all the best!

First, thank you for being so transparent. It sounds like you have a lot on your plate. Please allow me to apologize in advance if this comes across the wrong way and I pray this doesn't sound harsh but the change in your family really isn't up to you. It sounds like you want more for them than they want for themselves. You want them to be healthy, happy, to have no weight induced illnessess, and you'd like for them to practice better eating habits. These are all wonderful things. However, they have to want it for themselves. It would be nice if love alone could fix this but there's probably more to their eating than the love of food. I pray that your successful weight loss will encourage them to make a decision to follow in your footsteps. Even if they don't decide to have a surgical procedure, eating right and exercise would be great steps to take. Here's wishing you lots of success. Chin up, be encouraged and continue to pray for your family.

These next 3 days will go by in a blur and before you know it you'll be on the losers bench. Like you carbs are not my friend. I would definitely say I am a carb-aholic!! Let me encourage you not to give in. Carving thin is so much more rewarding than craving food! Enjoy this journey and delight in your success. All the best to you!

Wow...your time is fastly approaching. How do you feel? Are you getting anxious, excited, nervous... "D" all of the above?! I am sure you will do well. It sounds like you are keeping a level head especially through the liquid diet. That to me was harder than the surgery - LOL. All the best to you and please keep me posted.

You and I are in the same boat. I've lost 36 lbs since surgery (9/20) and from some of the reactions I've gotten you would have thought I lost 100 lbs. Don't get me wrong, I love the compliments but not all of the attention if that makes any sense.

Food doesn't have the same appeal it once had. There's no one thing that I crave and if I didn't have to eat I probably wouldn't. I've been asking myself why now? Although I don't have buyers remorse, how come food didn't lose it's unrelenting grip on me then?...how come now? Things that make you go hmmm.

I'm waiting for my eyes to see what everyone else sees. Some of my clothes are definitely loose, and the scale is moving but to me I look exactly the same.

And yes, I did laugh at the boob slippage comment - LOL

So here's to being weird - in a good way LOL.

Congrats on your weight loss. Keep up the good work!!

Thanks so much for sharing and for the motivation! You've got the victory!!!

Such a wonderful testiment of uncinditional love! He sounds awesome! I wish you contiinued happiness and much success!

All the best,

Niki

I wish I had a few receipes for you. In fact, I could use a few myself. I'm so borded with food most day I don't even want to eat. I'm approaching my one month (10/20) and I've had grapes. My doctor said I could have some as long as I peel the skin. It takes some time oh but was it ever worth it!

That's awesome! You go girl!!

Did you read someone's post and it rubbed you the wrong way?! Don't let it get you upset, instead share with them the proper way or your thoughts on the subject. Like CammyD, I too wish everyone success. It would be unfortunate to have this procedure and for it to fail.

All the best,

Niki

OMG!!! 40 pounds in a little over a month...that is terrific! It sounds like you are doing wonderfully! It's it great when the clothes you used to wear are sudden way too big?! That's sucha great feeling.

I know you were super happy to find out you were preggers - LOL. That would have been a whole new challenge.

Congrats to you on your surgery and your weight loss. And I know your hubby will have success before and after his procedure!

All the best,

Niki

Oh, I amlost forgot, Slim Fast!!! Creamy Milk Chocolate was my favorite (Wal-Mart's brand)

There are lots of things you can have: Crystal Light, sugar free popsicles, chicken and beef broth, any non-caloric, non-carbinated drink, decaffeinated tea, sugar free jello and of course plenty of water.

Even though I am only 17 days post-op I am right there with you. I can't see the weight loss that others see in me. I'm down a total of 30 lbs (pre-op weight included - 20 since surgery on 9/20). My clothes still fit the same way -- to me. I need to incorporate more exercise and am looking forward to doing so but I'm just waiting for the green light from my surgeon at my 1 month appointment. I would love to go to that appointment and be at least 10 pounds lighter...phew! Oh well... I definitely don't regret my decision to have the surgery and I plan on riding the wave.

Slow and steady wins the race!

Be encouraged!

Niki

That is great! You sound like you're gettng back into the swing of things. Still continue to rest up when you can. Walking is definitely key; sip slowly and often; enjoy watching the weight melt off of you!!!

All the best,

Niki

@ Kay, I'm trying Lady - LOL. I know it's going to be an adventureous journey but I'm in it for the long haul. How are you holding up?

Inhale deeply of those wonderful aromas that I am sure are coming from the restaurant across from the business center and then RUN back to your room - LOL

It seems like you have a great support system in your fiance...that's great!

Thank you so much for the update. This is exactly what I needed to read. Your previous blog are my thoughts exactly. My surgery is on Tuesday (9/20) and I have been questioning if I am going to do the right thing, did I do everything in my power to lose the weight, etc. After thinking things through for the millionth time and then reading your blog I know I can do this. I guess I'm just wishing I was on the recovery side of things. *woosah*

If you're feeling 75% better already, I'm sure you'll feel even better by the time you get home.

All the best to you and thanks again for the update,

Niki

That is wonderful. You are truly working your program. Keep up the good work and definitely keep us posted.

Continued success,

Niki

I think you may be right. For as outgoing as my "friend" is and for all of the confidence that he has he may be a teeny tiny bit insecure. He and I have talked several times about the "advantages" and he seems okay but then in later conversations he mentions something about the surgery. I am trying to go healthywood (by the way I like that term) with a splash of hollywood. I think I dress alright now but I'll be able to add more of a variety later. I guess I need to prepare myself for those inevitable comments too - LOL.

God bless you!

Nik

Hahaha! I just posted something very similar. I guess we just have so much on our minds the only things that we can do at this point is clean, get things in order and get ready for this next very serious leg of our journey.

All the best to you,

Niki

That's awesome! You have done a fantastic job and I'm sure it shows! Here's to the new you! Enjoy!!

Why am I not surprised Miss Go Getter - Inspirational - Motivating young woman?! You go girl!!!!

I was going to ask the same questions. My doctor just sent my paperwork off for pre-cert on Wednesday and I was wondering how long it would take to get approval. I too have BCBS (PPO). My doctor's assistance said it can take anywhere from 2 - 30 days. Guess I'll just site tight, try to exhale and wait.

Keep us posted,

Thanks,

Niki

How are you feeling now? Are you getting in all of your fluids? Keep us posted.

All the best,

Niki