JennieDK

I love it! Go you!

I'm SO glad your daughter is alright. My oldest son is in his first semester of college, and it's so scary to have them far away, so I can imagine how terrifying this must have been. Good for you for staying on track, even in such a scary situation!

Thanks, gals!

I really like the 10% BMI goal. I'm 5 months out, and I'm still thinking in terms of numbers of pounds for weight loss, while percentage might be more realistic. Of course I'm not losing as quickly as I did in the beginning, but as I think about it, my BMI is quite a bit lower, so that makes sense. Thanks for a very obvious, but important, ah-ha moment.

Wow, I remember the stall! For a week or so I thought I was going to be the only human ever who could have most of her stomach removed and still not lose any weight. It was right at week 3 for me, and mine lasted about 2 weeks, and then my weight loss kicked back in and maintained at about 3 pounds a week for the first 3.5 months and now I'm at about 2 pounds a week. That's fine with me as long as it keeps coming off!

I remember how frustrating that was, and everyone said it would happen and that it would pass, and it really does! (I know that doesn't help much while it's going on, but it really is true.) Just follow what your doctor told you, and things will get moving again! Good luck! You won't believe how awesome the next few months will be!

Nancy, that's awesome! You picked it up way quicker than me. It took me a long time to work up to being able to do a mile, but I'm heading in the right direction. I seriously hadn't run a mile since high school which was 20 years ago.

I know! I am so incredibly excited!

Good luck! I had the sleeve in December, and it's been a great experience so far!

Good luck as you approach your surgery! Here's to seeing less of you!

Congratulations on starting your journey! I'm 8 weeks out today, and I can honestly say it's the best thing I've ever done for myself. I feel so much better already, and I still have a long way to go. It isn't always easy, but it's definitely worth it.

I have to say, I had shrimp during my pureed meat period, and just chewed it very well. Very well. And I had no problems. In fact, shrimp has been a go-to food for me, because it's easy to eat and high in protein. So even if you don't add it now, keep it in mind for later!

I don't have any good recipes for you, but I have to say, that stuff has been a real help to me. It's like a major treat. I just whip some up, cut up and apple, and have that for a snack.

Good luck! You'll do great! I'm six weeks out, and I'm still thrilled that I did this!

Lydia,

I'm having lots of luck with greek yogurt for protein. I've been going over my 60 grams of protein daily, while staying below 1000 calories a day. I do one shake, and then go for tuna, shrimp, and greek yogurt for the main source of protein. And the scale is moving in the right direction again!

You're taking a great step! It's not an easy fix, but it will put the odds in your favor. I'm three weeks out from surgery, and I've had a really good experience so far! One of the coolest experiences I had was the morning I started my pre-op liquid diet. I texted my friend and said, "Think about it-- I'll never weight this much again." That was a cool thought.

Getting ready to leave for the hospital! Thanks for all of the well wishes, everyone! You guys are awesome!

Congratulations! I'm 5 days into the liquid diet, and it honestly has not been that bad. I'm going under the knife on 12/11! Good luck to you, and be well!

Great entry, and really interesting to read as my surgery approaches (12/11). I wonder how much I'll need to fight the mental aspect of food-- the habit of eating-- after the surgery. I'll just have to retrain myself, I guess. At least the sleeve allows us to kind of start over. Good luck!

Yay! So exciting! I'll be doing it the day before you. Be Well!

Thanks for all of the encouragement, everyone! I just went spent the evening out with some friends at the coffee shop, chatting it up! Normally, I would have ordered something to much on, or we would have met for a "grown up" drink, but we had a great time, and I stuck to my decaf tea. A good time was had by all!

Yes, let's keep in touch! We can be sleeve buddies!

Thanks, both of you, for your responses! I have to say, this is the only place I feel like I can go where people "get it". There's just something about making that decision that you're ready to change the way you live. I can't wait to open that box in the spring! Have a great Thanksgiving, guys!

So excited for you! I got my approval back in 6 business days! Good luck!

Thanks everyone! Surgery is scheduled for 12/11!

Your entry is really insightful. So much of it I can completely understand. I was recently at a meeting at my church for kindergarten parents, during which they talked about nutrition. When they talked about families that are overweight, they made it sound like we sit around eating cookie dough and laying around in our pajamas all day. I hardly have the time to do everything I need to do on a daily basis, yet I am known to hit the gym at 4:30 in the morning or 9:30 at night. People don't get it. I'm tired of people seeing my weight as a character flaw.

Good luck for you! Keep us posted!