VSG Barry

I surely hope it's like that for me NaturalR...it would feel like a real miracle to be freed from my compulsion towards grains.

1. Start exercising now. It doesn't have to be training for a marathon, but start walking and lifting small weights as soon as you can. You're building the habit into your daily routine, not training for that marathon.

2. Sip, sip, sip. Drinking Water is key, IMO, to losing the weight. Water hydrates your body and skin, fills up your tummy, and washes out the toxins and fat.

3. Get your Protein into your body every single day.

4. Forget dieting. This isn't a diet. It's a way of life. Get in the Protein and your veggies, THEN worry about carbs.

5. There are NO good or bad foods. It's either protein or it's not. If I could find a chocolate that had protein in it, I'd do it. Oh, wait, I do... Protein Bars.

6. Eat on a schedule. This is important because we aren't hungry for the first few months. Forgetting to eat is worse, FOR ME, than over eating.

7. Avoid Cheetos!

Thanks for starting this off Lissa with a great list! My only concern with it is...after a while, doesn't the low carb, high protein eating get freakin BORING! I know you listed 'no cheetoes' but I've had a lifetime love affair with all things grain-based. I really can't imagine enjoying a diet devoid of breads/grains.

My top 3 that has worked for me:

1. I bought those jello-shot plastic containers w/ lids ( I got mine at Smart & Final)- they have different oz sizes. Once I got to the mushy food stage it was great to portion out my cottage cheese, yogurt and whatever else mushy I ate. I was able to buy the larger size of cottage cheese and yogurt and save money. Plus, it was ready to grab to eat when I wanted it or when I was going somewhere.

2. Buy yourself a small ice chest. You will be needing to bring your own food and treats with you for a while-I still do- so it's nice to have one that fits in your car. Mine fits between the two front seats. And it's great for the kids too. Hooray for non soggy string cheese!

3. I love my cup. My non-sweat, stays cold longer, with a top that closes, cup. It's pretty much a giant sippy cup- but I love it. It goes with me everywhere. I use it everyday. Make sure if you get one- that it fits in your cup holder in your car! And always have something to drink with you at all times! ( I got mine at Bed, Bath & Beyond)

Those are my top three!

Good Luck- we are here for you!

I've already purchased my little storage cups! Now I need to get that lunch box to tote them around in, and a cold drink sippie cup!

Woweewow-wow Pdxman! I'm pretty sure I'm NOT going to be running all over Mexico the evening after my surgery! I'm planning on being best friends with my pain pump! haha Love what you say about not focusing on fast weight loss at first...I've already seen basically every youtube video on SVG is totally focused on "the numbers" and it seems counter-productive.

I do appreciate the idea of having some pre-surgery endurance...but I swear lately with my weight at an all time high, I have super low endurance and even desire for basic exercise. A 3 mile walk nowdays is like serious workout...makes me sad.

I'm going to get my VSG soon...I'd love to get some "Top 3" lists from all you success stories here on most critical secrets to success. Perhaps they could be something beyond eat less and exercise more! hehe

Of course if you have more than 3, go for it!

You were smart to measure before the pre-surgery diet phase...something I was forgetting about for myself. Now that'll be on my "to do" list! So does 3 inches off your waist translate to one pant size down? I have jeans that run a spectrum of like 38-46! lol (I'll have to dust off most of them before trying them on)

Six days and I want it now! I know exactly how you feel! That was a great way to describe exactly how I feel too! Lol all of us are going to be giving advice from the other side soon!

I'm very jealous! Have you done a youtube video yet? I'd love to see your pre and post transformation! I've done one so far...gonna get a bit closer to my surgery date before my next vid.

I have 42 days! Soooo excited!!

I love how everyone scheduled to have VSG surgery has an atomic clock countdown going! lol

Who would ever think there'd be people so excited about having surgery!

Have 70 long days to wait for my surgery with Dr. G. Alvarez in Mexico.

I feel just like I did when I was 8 years old, and the JC Penneys Christmas catalog would come out in print. For me, that was the official launch date for the countdown to Christmas every year. (My mother's genius idea was for us to circle the toys we wanted for christmas in that catalog, and she would then tell Santa what we wanted...then she just ordered it by phone! I think she was sooo ahead of her time!). I would scour that catalog, reading every entry on every toy. Weighing the pros and cons of each toy gun, erector set, slot car set, etc. Dreaming of the fun I would have once Santa came to deliver the goods!

Anyway, I am just as excited about my upcoming VSG. This will be the best Christmas present EVER! A real deal changer I am thinking.

In addition to blogging here, I plan on doing a number of youtube videos as well under the same "name" I want to share the experience with all my brothers and sisters in chubbydom. May the Force be with us...always!

I agree with "isntsheclever" about the Syntrax brand of power whey Proteins. Only brand I know of that avoids totally the chocolate/vanilla/strawberry triad of dull over-used flavors. Isn't cheap though, and difficult to find sometimes in retail health stores.