Hello everyone! I am new here, I am just starting my journey. I am 33 years old, 5'7, and weigh 258 lbs. I have thought about doing this for so long, have done so much research and soul-searching, and have finally decided it is my best option for a long and healthy life with my wonderful family. I would love to hear any advice/tips anyone has to give, what has worked or not worked for you. And I would just love to hear your stories! I think the support this forum provides is fabulous, and I look forward to being a part of it!

Welcome!

Yes you have chosen the most healthy way to lose weight! My advice is: follow the South Beach Diet (especially before you have restriction, it's great for controlling hunger), watch your protein intake and keep it high enough so you don't lose your hair, take your multivitamin and and one called "hair, skin and nails" available at GNC, don't take in liquid calories (unless it's protein), exercise, and most of all be patient! The weight comes off slowly, 1 to 2 pounds a week, and that can seem very boring. It adds up quickly though and you will feel great!

I am four years out and maintaining around five pounds from my "goal". I will get there some day!

Good luck to you on your journey!

Hi Kristina, I am 37, 5'7" and WAS 262 at time of surgery may 25, 2010. So we have very similar statistics. It's only been 8 months since surgery and I have lost 98 pounds, only 4 more to my personal goal of 160. If you follow your doctor's orders you will be successful. Protein first, I eat one cup of food at lunch and dinner. Protein shakes for breakfast. I get in at least 60 grams of protein and stay around 1,000 calories. No drinking with meals or before/after for at least 30 minutes. Never drink pop or any sort of carbonation. And exercise, at least walking as much as I can.

WOW we are similar.. I will be 33 in March and 260 pounds my goal is 150-160 I dont want to be skinny just healthy and I am getting my band in March.. not sure of the day yet tho.... I promised this to my dad on his death bed and I will follow thru it was his last worry ..... I was the only one he could count on in life and death I was his nurse and he never believed anyone but me about his health.... if I agreed it must be so... some where I lost me to busy taking care of others around me so his passing was a wake up call... He died just 2 days after my birthday in March and it looks to me like I will be having the band around the same time. If that isn't karma I don't know what is... I am eager to start the new path in my life and the final chapter in my old life.... Good luck and many best wishes!!!