Hello Everyone,

I am new to this site and at the beginning of my VS journey. I am English, living in England and have been overweight all my life. I have a huge amount of weight to lose. I had been seeing a dietician for the past six months (with no real success) (had a lifetime of failing at every diet going) and the dietician mentioned WLS. She suggested I speak to my Dr. about this as I have type 2 diabetes and she thought I would definately fit the requirements for surgery (my BMI is 59). I went to the Dr. who was at great pains to point out that WLS meant you could only eat smaller portions and had I thought about doing that????? Despite this he did say he would fill in all the forms to see if I could get approval for funding for surgery on the NHS but not to get my hopes up. A week later I got a telephone call to say I had been approved. Another week later I got my first appointment at the hospital to see the Dr. there.

During my time with the dietician (who was a lovely lady who actually listened to what I said) she put me on a 'milk' diet for three weeks. I lost 10lb the first week, 7lb the second and gained 2lb the third week! I have since regained all but 4lbs of that weightloss, even though I have been extremely careful with my diet. I know I will have to lose more before I can have surgery and am planning to put myself back on the milk diet next week. I am trying to lose that 5% people have talked about on here. I am hoping that if I manage to lose that magical 5% they will push me forward for the surgery.

Although I only joined this site recently I have been reading avidly for the past fortnight. There is so much useful and interesting information here, and everyone is really generous with their own experiences and knowledge. I hope that my journey details will be equally beneficial to others as it progresses. I chose the name Phoenix Rising as I hope that people will begin to see the new slimmer fitter me rising from the ashes of the old fat unhealthy me. I know I have a very long way to go and look forward to having your help and support. Thank you

:welcome: Phoenix Welcome to the neighborhood. Don't be afraid to ask any question as we are all family here. I am so glad you have decided on the wonderful journey and look forward to your updates on your progress. Do you have a surgery date yet? I have been on a 6 mo supervised diet for my insurance and have been trying to eat as I will after surgery. Protein, Protein, Protein is the key with low carbs from veggies and fruit. I am not familiar with the Milk diet but know the Protein-low carb is what you will be doing the rest of your life after surgery. please keep us posted on your progress and good luck. We are here for you!!!!

Welcome to the forums and congrats on making the decision. Please keep us updated on your progress. Feel free to ask anything.

Thank you ladies for your welcome. I have sent a message to you SmokeyMtnGal2011 as I couldn't find the piece I put on earlier. Have now obviously found it. I do not yet have a date for surgery and am still waiting for my next hospital appointment which should be when I am told when and how things will happen. The milk diet is liquids only, 4 pints of milk daily, 1 pint of oxo or soup of some sort and tea or squash to drink. Very boring but it does shift the pounds, until you start to eat again. I am not terribly good with computers so could do with some tips on how to do things. Add friends etc. I am sure I shall be bothering you both on a regular basis with questions etc. so thanks for being here.