Beautifuldisaster2

I have been struggling with my weight since I was 10. I gained weight each year. I would get hyper defensive any time that surgery was brought up. It didn't matter if the intentions were good. I absolutely did not want to even consider it. The only times I even noticed my weight was asking for an extender seat belt on the airplane, the moment I could no longer fit in a booth at the restaurant, and that the clothes from Lane Bryant, Torrid, or a Roamans catalog were the only places I could find comfortable clothing. I am the fat friend. I always avoided any places where there were possible weight restrictions. My husband is very active but I do not participate in his activities (hiking, biking, etc) because it always hurt me physically and I would feel guilty and ashamed. I had always viewed surgery as the easy way out and fear of extreme amounts of excess skin. Those were my excuses. It wasn't until I had a conversation with my Dad. The truth hurts. He told me that my health is the only thing I have in life. He knew I could do it on my own but doubted that my knees and back would let me. That my blood work will not always be that of an athlete and betime it went down hill it would be too late.
LIfe lesson: SURGERY IS NOT THE EASY WAY OUT!!!! There is so much preparation both physically and mentally. Surgery is painful and a life long commitment. Even the little things like staying hydrated and nourished are challenges. 
My weight before consulting the surgeon was 317. I followed the nutritionists recommended dietary changes the months before surgery. I cut out all alcohol, soda, processed carbs, only stevia sugar based foods, and vitamins. My surgeon took measurements of my estimated metabolic rate. I ate 1700 calories to help lose some weight. I had some cravings a month in but those went away quickly. I lost 35 pounds, Following the dietary changes months before surgery as recommended made my life easier when it came down to the 2 week pre op diet. 
I have been reading posts on bariatric pal and off about the surgery, some of the common questions and experiences. All of the members are so understanding and willing to answer any questions (dumb or not). When I get the hang of things like so many other members, I hope that I can be an asset to those thinking about surgery or just had surgery.