Happy to report I made it through my big holiday party without cheating once. I drank crystal lite throughout and half way through I snuck to the kitchen for half a Protein shake. I think some people caught on to my alcohol free night and suspected pregnancy - but who cares.

In other news I'm on day 13 of pre-op and a little disappointed with my weight loss so far. I feel like I eat nothing and should be losing more. Ill have to readjust my expectations I guess.

My big meatball if you will is my self esteem. Even though I've lost 10 lbs so far, looking at my pictures from my holiday party makes me feel so gross. And low self esteem is not really helping my excitement (though that's a bit counterintuitive you would think it would boost my motivation.) It doesn't help that my fiancée and my few friends who know about surgery act like its a magic solution and I've already lost all the weight. Further I think being off my birth control pills and limited calories has been toying with my emotions. Any advice on keeping self esteem in check?

i could have wrote this post.

first let me say, congrats on the no cheating. this lets me know that you are 100% serious and dedicated to your band journey that is about to begin. that is also telling me that you want to do this and will do whatever it takes. and with you doing that, this is giving you strength and giving your esteem a boost.

go one day at a time. step by step.

its a process. the pre , the surgery, the post and then beginning the journey. dont rush it. use each day as a sign of your success. i see it and i am in NC right now

Self esteem will get better as the weight comes off. You have to love yourself no matter how much you weigh. You have to know you are worth something and this is just an added plus to your wonderful personality and self. Good luck on your journey I know you will be a success.

I worry with you off the birth control one they are hormones and you have just stopped these hormones and it will play with your mind. Next getting pregnant now will stop your weight loss and add to what you are now....keep thst in mind. Also get your doctor to get you on anti-depressants and maybe anxity meds also this will help tons..set your elf up for success and you will do it you have a long road before you are on a paved road but hand in there this works and you will grow as a person as you body gets smaller...we are here for you

I worry with you off the birth control one they are hormones and you have just stopped these hormones and it will play with your mind. Next getting pregnant now will stop your weight loss and add to what you are now....keep thst in mind. Also get your doctor to get you on anti-depressants and maybe anxity meds also this will help tons..set your elf up for success and you will do it you have a long road before you are on a paved road but hand in there this works and you will grow as a person as you body gets smaller...we are here for you

I'm not planning to get pregnant. I'm required to stop them before my surgery and start them back 10 days post. Thanks for your support.