monaramsdell

Congratulations. Yes, very scary but very, very exciting. Have you been put on any pre-surgery diet as of yet? I think the hardest part for me was the liquid diet. I thought --- did I make the right decision? There were moments that I struggled such as eating with my family and I could not eat. Going out to eat with my family and I could only have water...that was hard but as time passed...I got used to the change and started losing the weight and it got easier each day. Important things for me was to drink slow. Not to rush things. I tried not to put myself in situations like going out to eat with my family or I would have an alternate plan. I tried to avoid sitting with them at dinner because it was not easy. Sometimes I would go on a walk when they ate. I found a vanilla protein powder that I liked alot which made drinking protein shakes every morning easier. I wish you the best of luck. If you have any questions - please let me know. monaramsdell@gmail.com I am 11 mos. post op. I went from a size 18 to a size 8/10 and an xxl to a medium or large. I weighed 221 and I know weigh 161 but I had been down to 152 but gained almost 10lbs as I was laid off from my job in August, 2012. I find myself snacking more. I went to the bariatric center today and was put back onto a very strict diet. Walking and exercise and water were key for me and lately I have gotten away from the walking and less water intake. But, I am jumping back on the wagon. Good luck...and again, if you need any support - please reach out. I know that it was hard but so worth it. I feel 150% better with the weight off along with all of my medical conditions that have improved. Best of luck.

Follow your dream...you can do this. I had the gastric sleeve on May 15th, 2012. It has been almost a year. I started at 221lbs. and I am at 162lbs now. It has been a journey. I was pre-diabetic, hypothyroid, high cholesterol, I snored and had mild sleep apnea. I no longer have these symptoms. The journey has been tough but well worth it. However, I was walking everyday and then stopped during Winter and have found myself snacking more than I should as I was laid off last July, two months after my surgery.So, the weight loss had slowed down --- I got down to 152 and now I have gained 10 lbs. I went to the Bariatric Center today and I have been put on a strict diet including incorporating exercises and protein shakes back into my diet. I encourage you to follow through with the surgery and weight loss as you will feel much better but it is important to be there mentally 100% as it does take alot of work and dedication. If you should have any questions --- please feel free to reach out to me. monaramsdell@gmail.com