McButterpants

I think the sleeve is a tool and not a method... In order for me to lose weight, I have to restrict A LOT and exercise A LOT. It's not that I'm not willing to put in the work, the amount of work I have to do is not sustainable over a very long period of time - the amount of time I would need to lose the excess weight. This tool is going to help me restrict without feeling deprived as with past diets. This tool is going to give me that jump start that I need to recognize success, be more positive and confident, and begin living a healthier lifestyle. Since your surgery is 6 months out, you have lots of time to prepare and think. Practice eating smaller meals. Practice chewing, chewing and chewing some more. Work on upping your Protein and cutting back on carbs. Start exercising - even a walk around the block is a good start. I had about 3 months from decision to get the sleeve to the surgery date (2.5 weeks from now) - I can see and feel a difference in myself. Not from the weight loss perspective (I have lost 10 pounds), but my body feels different. I've cut out bread and refined sugars from my diet entirely, I have cut out caffeine, and I have started to exercise daily. My attitude has changed as well - I am happier, more at peace...I haven't had that in about 20 years. I feel better physically. I don't feel as fatigued. That is all prior to me getting the surgery - I am excited to see how good I feel post-op. I wish you luck in your journey! You will know when you have made the decision that is best for you.

Great information! Thanks.

I'm in...but only for the first 13 days. I'm having my surgery on the 14th!!!! My challenge will be 10 hours of gym/walking time and a total of 6 days of weight training.

Praying and sending you positive vibes for tomorrow. You'll do great. Keep us posted!

OMG what an amazing transformation! I love progress pics - they are so inspiring! Congratulations! Keep up the great work.

50 pounds in 10 weeks - amazing. Great job. Keep up the great work!

Thanks for posting, Janet! 27 pounds in a month - amazing! Wishing you continued success.

On my pre-op, I wouldn't be allowed a smoothie from Extreme Juice. I'm allowed 2 protein smoothies and a lean and green dinner - trying to get in 60 grams of protein. the NUT in my doctor's office told me this week to have "a couple of blueberries or strawberries in your protein shake" So I asked her, "When you say a couple, are you talking about a 1/4 cup or something like that?" Her response: "Less than a quarter cup." Yeah, that's like 2-3 strawberries - literally A COUPLE. Good luck with your pre-op!!!!

My NUT said to use low glycemic fruits and vegetables. Blueberries, strawberries, peaches are OK. No bananas. Asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, greens, string beans are OK. No corn, potato, or starchy veg.

Welcome. Your story sounds like so many of us here; you are not alone. I'm glad you've joined us and we'll all help each other thru our journeys. I wish you great success!

I'm using the date that I decided to have the surgery - it was the day I had my consultation with the doctor. It was also my highest documented weight.

Thanks for posting that, Jerseygirl! I e-mailed it to myself for future reference!!!!! I'm starting my two week liquid diet next week, so trying to prep. I like the word OPPORTUNITY and will try to look at it that way. It might not always be easy, but she's right - this is two weeks out of my life and the beginning stages of my new life.

Hang in there, sweetie! You made it this far. You're so close to getting this done. Sending positive vibes your way.

RJ, I have said it before and I'll say it again - YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION! You have been thru so much and yet you still have a positive attitude. 176 pounds lost is truly amazing - I admire you. Let us know when you reach onderland - we should have a parade!

I would respond with, "Not really, he's a chubby chaser. He wishes I'd gain it all back."

Wowsa. What a transformation! And cute new hairdo, too! Thanks for sharing.

I have been so up and down these past few days. I even sat down with a piece of paper and wrote down the pro's and cons. Seriously! I sat down and told my husband, "I just need to you to listen to what I'm saying, I don't want you to try to fix this, just listen" and we had a really good conversation which included some of his fears for me. We then got off our a$$es and went to the gym. I did 55 minutes of cardio and sweated A LOT. It felt good and it helped clear my brain. I think sometimes I sit around thinking too much and when it gets unproductive is when I get myself in trouble. We're all in this together. I agree, this is a great forum to come to and put your fears and confessions out there. Sometimes I expect a swift kick in the butt and others, I expect kind words of encouragement.

Hi there. Thanks so much for following up and asking. I am doing better today - much better today. I think it was just one of those momentary lapses. I saw your blog entry about your hair - though it's expected, I'm sure it's a little unnerving! Thanks again - it means a lot.

Suzanne, You are a true inspiration. Thanks so much for sharing your story. As a pre-opper, reading stories like this reinforce the decision I have made and motivates me to continue on the path to healthy living. Thanks, again! Take good care.

Welcome and congrats on your decision! I love the story about telling your kids. My 14-year old's first question was "is my diet going to change?" I agree with RJ, take this time to prep. Practice taking the small bites. Work on finding a Protein drink that works for you (don't buy a lot, your tastes may change). Practice eating with out drinking. Don't eat in from of the TV - eat in a calm environment at a table. And, my most difficult talk, cut out caffeine - I am doing it slowly. My surgery is 11/14, so I'm a couple of weeks before you. I have a 2 week liquid pre-op diet. ugh. Again, welcome and good luck.

Wow - you look fantastic. And congrats on the baby news! Wishing you much happiness.

You look amazing! Congrats on your success.

I'm reading your responses with tears in my eyes. Thanks so much for the support. It's much needed. I went for a walk shortly after my post - just the dog and me. I had some time to reflect and have an attitude adjustment. By the time I got home I felt better, then read the kind words you all wrote. My sincerest thank you goes to all. You are all right - I'm fearing the unknown. I have read gamegirls & RJ'sbeginnings posts for the past few weeks and feel inspired when I read their words. The pre-oppers that have posted - thanks for sharing your thoughts. We're all in this together. I'm thankful we have this forum to share our thoughts, fears and the many successes. So I decided rather than wallow, I will work TOWARDS my goal. I work from home and sit at my desk A LOT. I purchased an adjustable height table so instead of sitting it will force me to stand while working. The hubby and I put it together and I'm getting my office straightened out so I can start working the new way tomorrow. Thanks, friends, I appreciate your support.

Thanks for the kind words! Your story inspires me. Congrats on your success.

Great story! Congrats - you have been thru so much. You are an inspiration.