I'm not sure if this is where I start the posts. This is my first time starting a group.

My BMI was 34 when I had my surgery. How did I get to this point? I never had to worry about my weight when I was younger. And I'm talking 15 years ago. At 44 yrs old. Then, I started paying less attention to what I was putting in my mouth, and not exercising. I knew that I was putting on weight, but never really saw myself as big as I was. Clothes got tighter, but I kept saying "I'll start my diet Monday". Then Monday came, and I felt deprived if I couldn't eat the foods I wanted. My comforting friend. I couldn't lose that friend. I could lose 20 lbs, but only to put them back on. My motivation faded whenever there was an opportunity to go out and eat and drink with friends. We are social people. So here I am now -----needing to lose 60 lbs. But I decided to do something for myself, for me! I know this is drastic, but necessary.

Boots, I am right there with you!!! This past weekend was glorious in terms of eating crap. I ate too much stuff but was planning for it. I don't have a hard core pre-op diet at all - just eat "healthier" for 2 weeks, try to start developing some habits like taking my Vitamins, etc and eating a little less. Then I have a 3 day liquids only pre-op. So yeah I ate too much this past weekend too!

Best of luck on your surgery!!!!

Ha.....how quickly the food chain evolves the closer we get to surgery!!! I have faithfuly been drinking 2 Protein Shakes a day with 1 healthy meal every day for the past week and NOWWWWWWWWWWWWW I'm on the liquid only diet. Guess it's a good thing I ate everything under the sun a few weeks ago cause this is rough!!!

What's even worse....I walked out of the house to lay by the pool this past weekend and stopped dead in my tracks! I had the unmistakable feeling I was forgetting something. I'm so used to having my ciggerette case and beer in hand its 2nd nature. How sad is that???? Did fine once I discovered that the pool CAN be fun without smoke and drink!!!

So glad I found this group, I thought I was the only one in this situation....feel as if I could have written all these posts myself!! I have been following this website for awhile, but didn't join until today and I'm so glad I did. Not getting much support from my family since they think I'm "taking the easy way out" to lose weight. I know they don't, and won't, understand, so I ignore it. My best friend is super-supportive, as is the only co-worker that I've told. No one else knows because I didn't want to deal with anyone judging me, or the negative comments I knew I would get. I also had to gain a little weight to get my BMI to the minimum before my insurance would cover the surgery. They initially denied it, I appealed, and they denied my appeal. I gained a few pounds and 4 months later they approved it. My sleeve is tomorrow and I'm not the least bit nervous (yet!), but since I can only have clear liquids today, I'm starving!! Counting down the hours though, can't wait till it's over with! Boots321 and Finding Myself, best of luck to both of you with your sleeves! Louisiana Girl, congratulations on your weight loss...keep it up!!

so happy to find this topic. I will be having a gastric sleeve this coming July 19 in Puerto Vallarta with Dr. Alejandro Lopez. I have mixed emotions, im nervous, scared, excited, but so anxious to get this surgery done. I'm only 32, 4'11 in height and im currently weighing 158 lbs. Not so much to lose but im battling with my weight for years. I got my husband's support days before I scheduled my surgery, but scared that I have to leave my 3 kids with my in-laws for 6 days. I know my in-laws will definitely take care of my kids, but im scared thinking that something may happen to me while on the table (surgery room). I just need encouragement, success stories to hear, good experiences in mexico with their surgery. I just need a friend. I have not tell to any of my friends or co-workers regarding this big decision i've made, and im not used to this. I dont want to be judged that i why i kept it a secret. This forum is my comfort zone and glad to find it.

Noelria - having the surgery is a personal issue. You choose who or who not to tell. Not everyone will understand. Diane311, boots321, and Finding Myself - I hope your surgeries went well. Please keep us updated. It has been the best thing I did for myself. After the inital "why did I do this" period (a couple of weeks), I realized that before you know it, I will be eating the foods I love, but a LOT less of it. Now, I am 58 lbs down, who knows what pant size (since all I was wearing was stretch pants) to a 10 and even some 8's and from a 2x blouse to a medium. Wow! Who would have thought. Just stick with the program, protein, vitamins, fluids and stay positive! Keep your eye on the prize! YOU!

I totally understand all of you like soul sisters! I am 5'2 and was 183 when I was sleeved a month ago. I also am tired of the yoyo dieting. The only fear I currenty have is that I have never felt any restriction and I am scared of gaining the weight back. My brother did not support the surgery at all and put my mom into a panic that I was doing the wrong thing. However, now that I survived the surgery she is happy and supportive of me. I have only lost 11 pounds but as long as it continues I am thrilled with my decision.

I carry most of my weight in my stomach, boobs and arms (apple shaped). I hope I do not have to have plastics. I will send pics privately but do not want to post them publicly. I lost 50 pounds prior to surgery so the before and after is quite evident. Whats funny though is still people have not noticed Ive lost weight. Maybe because I am still int he "obese" range (I will be "overweight" after losing another 6 pounds)!

UPDATE: I'm doing great! Tomorrow is my 5 week anniversary and I am down 25+ pounds. Working on the road at the moment, living in a hotel room, and eatig out all the time. I can order 1 meal and make it last for 3 nights! I usualy go for grilled shrimp or steak so I get plenty of Protein, and I keep my protein powder and bars with me at all times! I can eat pretty much anything I want, but only a few bites, and I'm full! Loving my new sleeve and plan on ROCKIN IT!!!!!

Yeah boots321..!! Sounds like you're doing great! It's such a great feeling losing weight and not feeling deprived to do it.

Thinner Peace - I felt that as long as I could lose 10 lbs a month, I am good. I have accomplished that, and am thrilled with my results. And, it helps to not be hungry! There will be a day when all of a sudden everyone notices you have lost weight...and it will be soon!

So excited to have found this group!

My surgery date is 8/31 with Dr Garcia in TJ MX, self pay of course. I am 55, 5'4" currently 194 with a high of 205. I have exactly the same story ... yoyo dieting, keeping the surgery quite because of the naysayers.

Thanks for the encourging words.

Sleevers, I am 21 days post op today. For the last 5 days I have been stuck at 21lbs lost. Is this normal? I get 70-80 grams of protien a day, eat very little and I walk on a treadmill for 1 hour most days. What else do I need to do? I read this is just a bump and It will pick up soon.....I hope so.... 1 more week and I can get back in the water for excercise and also add some more work out routines but I am a bit sad at this hold up. Any words of advice?

RELAX and stay off the scale. Have faith, if you follow the plan (get one that works for you) and the sleeve will work for you.

Dee

Readytolose Thanks for turning me on to this group. I too have a low BMI started at 194, been on Pre Op diet one week and down 9 pounds. Hope to get to at least 140, but would love to be in the 120-130 range, but I'll take baby steps to get there! =)

For those in a stall, I have heard people talk about going back to an all liquid diet for three days just to jump start again. But Im pre-op so no idea.

I'm so glad I found this I have decided not to inform my friends and family about my decision on the WLS being that the hand full of people that I did tell were not very supportive I'm 5'1 175-180 pounds. I'm so tired of yo-yo dieting and really wanted to feel healthy again. My surgery date is October 18th Dr Alamanza in Mexico....any tips before my journey would be greatly appreciated.

I have also posted on Start Some More Conversation! I got confused. At this point, 8 months out, I have lost 70 lbs. I am at goal, actually below goal. I love my sleeve and the extreme decision I made to do it! I didn't weigh myself except at the doctor's office in the beginning. I think our bodies go through stages of halts and loses. I followed the doctor's plan for the first 4 months.

Good luck to all who have made this decision to be healthy!!!

ahh2bm3 - Good luck with your surgery!! My advice would be to follow your doctor's plan, get in your protein, and take your vitamins. Also, don't be in a rush to eat foods that are not on your plan until your sleeve is ready for them. You will eventually be able to eat the foods you love IN MODERATION! We have been given a blessing. The sleeve is a tool, not the answer. So, listen to your sleeve and enjoy your new life--because this surgery is life changing. Keep us updated.