I realized I never introduced myself so here goes. I am in my mid 30's. I have been overweight as long as I can remember. I always played football and other sports through high school. When I was about 10 I had to play against kids that were 4 years older than me because of my weight. Freshman football I was 257lbs. Senior year I was 312 lbs at 16 years old and 6'2" Even when I went to colleges to visit the coaches did not think I weighed that much. I guess I carried it pretty well. Anyway, enough of the Al Bundy talk. I liked being a big guy. I have done atkins and weight watchers over the years. I would lose about 60 lbs and then go off the "diet" and gain it all back plus some. About 10 years ago I got down to 290. I have gained quite a bit over the years and at my PAT I weighed in at 432. I had thought about weight loss surgery before but my employer did not cover it until you had been with the company for 5 years. I reached that mark two years ago. I kept avoiding the surgery. I am not that big. I dont really need it. I can do it on my own. I got married about 3 years ago to the most amazing woman I have ever met. I had been a smoker since I stopped playing football. With her support I was able to quit smoking January of 2012. We found out that she was pregnant shortly after that. I went to my Dr and had some bloodwork done. I already took 2 blood pressure medicines and 2 cholesterol medicines. Now I was told that I was borderline diabetic. Three things that made me committ to getting healthy and living a long life. My wife, my daughter(she was born in November) and not becoming diabetic on top of all my other health issues. I finally went through all the hoops and had the surgery on January 30th. I have lost about 40lbs so far and would love to get to 200. I am having a tough time with pures and would rather just stay on liquids but am still trying. Some days I get depressed and ask "what did I do to myself?" but I now I needed this surgery to save my life and give me more time with my wife and daughter. It is not an easy journey and I will have more bumps in the road but coming here and reading peoples successes has helped me to keep my eye on the prize. I want to thank you all for your support and advice. I also want to thank my "normal sized" wife who has been so supportive it is amazing.

Welcome! I love this site. It's full of useful information. You'll be a "new" you before you know it. Good luck with your journey! I can't wait. Mine begins on Thursday!

Welcome & good luck! Keep us updated on your progress!

Hang in there Cartmansnj. It gets much better. I had trouble with purees as well. Probably a common issue. You could try using a baby spoon and eating slower, less quantity, wait an hour or so and if still hungary try a little more. Use a measuring spoon for your meals.It's a habit you will use for the rest of your life. Find small dishes to trade out from regular dishware. If you have ever watched the cooking shows, there are the small glass bowls for mise en plac. Like preping for herbs, baking soda etc. I use these alot. Play around to get an idea how much they hold by using a Tablespoon of water to fill. You can get them at restaurant supply stores for just a few bucks. Besides not being able to over fill, they are see thru glass and you can "view" your foods. Hope this helps.

I hated the purée stage too. Most things did not sit well. Would feel nauseous. I also use the small glass prep bowls. They are the perfect size. I also have berry bowls that came with my dish set that are less than half the size if a small cereal bowl. You have some really good reasons to get healthier. I am sure you will do terrific:) I am 4 weeks out myself.

I use the take-n-toss infant to go containers. Their inexpensive, come with lids (perfect to take for lunch), can be heated in microwave, & hold about a cup.