It's working, it's really working! I can't believe I am 3 months post op today. As I wake up today, I am dragging 48 total pounds less out of bed. I am walking around, exercising and living 48 pounds lighter. Hard to believe. 48 pounds that I will never, ever see again! I tried lifting a 40 item the other day in Ikea and could barely get it off the ground. How on earth did I walk around with 24/7??

13 pounds pre operative lost and 35 post operative. I am over the moon about this. I know lots of people lose faster and I am thrilled for them, (and secretly wish I was them) but I am so happy with my loss thus far. Only about 4 or so pounds came off this month but seems like my size diminished more this month than ever. I was busting out of an 18W pre surgery and yesterday slipped into the size 12 cute shorts with the embroidered pockets (yes, even mom shorts can be cute! I have no intention of dressing like a 20 year old) I bought them my first shopping trip after surgery and fell in love with them. Couldn't get them past my thighs much less covering my rear!

Luck has been on my side, I must say that I had a very easy surgery and recovery. I followed my surgeon and NUT instructions (outside of using a straw a week early) and it has served me well. I am aware that there are a good number of people who, while following instructions to a T are not having as easy a time as I have. I am very grateful that has not been the case for me. I can eat anything now. I just eat WAY less. The eating plan that I am on with my NUT does not call for extremely low carbs. It calls for as balanced as I can get it, keeping in mind the Protein first, veggies/fruits second and have not made it to the carbs part as there just isn't room. We go out for a burger a few times per month and I have a few fries (5-6) and no bun. That has been the only carb that I have had any room for. They are good, but not the end all. I have not yet tried any breads, Pasta or sugars mostly because I have not craved them. That could be a slippery slope for me and so I choose not to go there yet till my feet are firmly planted. I am still finding my way.

It seems something has clicked for me. I look at food differently. The surgery was on my stomach, not my head but so far, my brain is wrapping around the changes well. I hope that continues. I am well aware the hardest part has yet to come. For most of us life long dieters, sticking with the plan is easy. Till we don't. Sometime, I know I will eat a cracker, tortilla chip or cookie. How will I handle it? I hope and pray well. I believe I was ready to make the life long changes. I won't know for sure till there is no "off limits" foods. I do know that I can never go back to the way things were before. I couldn't do any longer, that is why I made this very difficult decision to have this surgery. It must be a life change for me.

I feel like my life is back (mostly) to my new normal. I don't think about food and how I am going to get my nutrition constantly any longer. I go to happy hour with my friends. I enjoy a glass of wine. Even in a Mexican restaurant. In Texas, Tex Mex is a food group. chips are on the table before you can settle into your seat. They don't seem to bother me any longer. Honestly, I do miss a good frozen Margarita. That is one thing I will not indulge in again. Just way too much sugar. I love wine so I still enjoy. No one notices what I eat or don't eat. We are all way to busy catching up. 99% of the time I can find something on the menu that is not only healthy, but that I enjoy. I love food. I always will. Again, I am lucky, not too picky of an eater. Poultry, beef and fish are all yummy to me. If can't find anything I will ask for a grilled chicken breast and grilled veggies even if it's not on the menu. Never be afraid to ask. I enjoy a couple glasses of wine on the weekends. (all totally OK with surgeon and NUT) I realize I could be a few more pounds down the road if I didn't but one thing my NUT does stress is to get to my new normal as soon as possible and not look at it as a diet. Look at it as the rest of my life. Eat like a thin person from the start. Getting to goal in 4 months is not the object of the game. Eating right and yes, enjoying life is. It should take 9-12 months. That is the plan I am on, which I know differs from others. It works for me and I am loving it.

Difficulties so far is I need to be better at getting to the gym. I have not mastered it. At all. I don't like it one bit. I know it is necessary but if I can find an excuse NOT to go? Well, I will say THAT I have mastered. :wacko: No bueno! I do go, not nearly as often as I should. Someone PLEASE send some tough love my way. My big girl panties fall down a bit in this area. In my defense, I am way more active around the house and garden. We also have pool so I do use that for exercise. No excuse.

All in all, I am thrilled with my new life. I am healthier then I have ever been in my adult life. My blood pressure is normal, as are ALL my vital levels, LDL, HDL tryglycerides and the list goes on. My husband is amazed at the change in me. He tells me the biggest change is inside me. He travels for work each week and when he comes home, he can also see the physical change. He has been my rock. I am a lucky girl to have been his wife for the last 33 years. :wub:

I know the most challenging part is yet to come. I feel strong, and healthy enough, physically and emotionally to handle what comes. I look forward to see what the next 3 months are like.

Sorry this is so long, lots of reflecting and thinking going on my little head today.

Thank you so much for sharing! I think you're AWESOME!