Pre-op I managed to get down almost 20 pounds... but i was 18 pounds below my start weight on operation day. I had my surgery on the 16th of december ... and weight loss started off slow. I can honestly say my weight loss is on free fall this week.

On operation day I was 380--one week ago today I was 368 and in the last 5 days I have lost TEN pounds. Its amazing but I am a full 42 pounds lighter than my initial weight 37 days ago.. I am losing over a pound a day..and some days two and three pounds. My Doctor said that I can eat any soft foods or pretty well what I am willing to try. So far.. I have been able to eat some cheese..scallops,shrimp,fish and lobster..pretty well any kind of seafood. Of course my portion size is extrmely small sometimes 2-3 oz of firmer food/// and sometimes 40z od softer foods. Textured foods are not comfortable and are hard to keep down. Chewing mmany times is the key to succesfully keeping the food down. It is difficult to re-learn everything you ever knew about drinking while you eat... which includes before and after eating.. its difficult thing to learn because I always washed my food down with water or a drink of some sort,, but I am learning. My rapid weight loss has helped me to stay encouraged and energetic behind my weight loss program. My energy levels have gone up ..as have my vitality and mood... all in all is a great thing.. I did have a really hard time with losing my old friend Grazing.. I was an emotional eater but I have come to grips with the fact that I will never be able to be that person again.. I look forward to the future and the promise of being an active dad with my young son.. football baseball.. hell who knows maybe even jogging some day..

God is Good and so far so good with my GAStric Sleeve.. I hope people reading this that are humming and hawing over wether or not they should have the surgery will take heart..and just go for it.. So far it is the best single thing I have ever done for myself and I can only say that it is the best single thing I ever did for myself...

Congratulations, Crawford! (I'm a Crawford, too, by marriage.) Sounds like you are doing beautifully. Blessings on your new life.

Hooray for you, Crawford!!! Off to the races for all of us! Thanks for sharing your story -- loved it.

CC

hey "dad" (no first name:)

congratulations on your sleeve, it will be your new best friend for life. Great start for your weight loss too!! A good jump start with your weight loss does make you feel great. Go with the feeling

eating food without "washing" it down with Water, thats a hard one for most people. I alway ate and drank together.

Read the boards you'll get great info and conversation here.

Go enjoy playing with your son more and more as the weight goes. You'll get there.

See you around the block.

kathy

That is great and very inspiring!! WTG!!!