I have been "lurking" here for about 2 months. The posts I have read have helped me prepare myself for this wonderful journey. I have tested all of the clear Protein options I can find, and have my stock ready for post surgery. I have tested all of the other Protein drinks I can find and have a good idea for those as well. I have a wonderful husband who has put up gallons of chicken stock so that is taken care of. I have been on the high protein diet for 3 weeks and have dropped 20 pounds. I feel ready. I feel serene. I feel blessed.

I am 43 years old. I have been heavy since I had my child when I was 18. Prior to that I was a nice teenage weight of 120. While I was pregnant I gained 60 pounds. After that it was a myriad of things that contributed to the additional weight gain. I reconciled my self to being heavy sometime ago. I tried dieting, weight loss pills and doctor directed programs. I decided to take this step because I want to be healthy, My weight is damaging my joints, my feet and it's time.

I want to thank you all for being do honest and genuine here, it has helped me very much to be able to share your journeys.

My surgery is the 21st in TJ. I can't wait!

Rinda

I feel ready. I feel serene. I feel blessed.

Absolutely beautiful! I hope I feel just like you do when I get a date. Best wishes and stop lurking!

Just wanted to wish you the best! I had surgery on 1/29/11, two weeks before my 44th birthday. As of today, 10/16/11, I have lost 99.6 lbs. This surgery was the best thing I could have done for myself and has given me my life back. At 295 by my scale and 301 by my doctor's scale, I was at a place I never imagined I would be. Scary and I wasn't sure how to get out. Before my surgery, I was sure I would be the first person that failed the surgery. While the past 9 months have been full of choices and changes, it has not been as difficult as I imagined. I feel like I have given birth, not to a child but to a whole new me!! The tool has not been an easy way out and doesn't stop me from making not so great choices. What it has done is stopped those not so great choices from becoming a whole bag of chips, bowls of ice cream and whole pizzas. It's a tool but the hard work is still up to you. If you want it and are ready, you will do great!! Best wishes to you!!

I can relate to this post! My feet, knees and back hurts all the time! I have lost over 50 pounds and still feel the pain! I have about 145 pounds to go...and I know the "tool" WLS..is the help I need to reach that goal. My surgery is Nov. 2nd...and I am very ready! I started the liquids last week...and am so very set up to WIN this BATTLE!

You are on the right track and I wish you the best in this journey!