I had my surgery on July 25...started at 244 and am now down to 215. Wish I'd done this sooner, to be quite honest. The 25th was a Thursday, my surgery was at 8am, I was released on Friday evening, and I was back to work on Monday. I work in IT, so while my job can be stressful, I mostly sit at my desk or in meetings. I've been very lucky...only issue I've had was a wicked rash from something post-surgery...doc thinks it was the extra adhesive they put on the surgical tape to make it stick longer. I wanted to scratch the skin off my stomach...and I've never had an allergic reaction to anything...so it was definitely weird. But in the grand scheme of complications, no sweat...steroid and antibiotics and it was gone. food has been fine for me, no reactions or stomach problems to date. I've been mostly on yogurts, cheese, cottage cheese, apple sauce...stuff like that. I've started to dabble in other foods for the next phase...cautiously, but with no issues. Nothing tastes different to me, at least yet. I am struggling to get my Protein in...it's a constant battle, but I'm getting better at it. liquids I seem to do pretty well with...I'm usually in the 65-75 oz range. I did my first Couch 2 5k jogs this week...hoping to get back into running and lifting to tone up. My surgeon made my day when I had my follow-up the other day...said he could really see the definition in my cheek bones coming out. Yay...my face is less fat! A work in progress, for sure...but I couldn't be happier with my results to date.

If you're on the fence, don't be! Do this for you, your family, your kids, your spouse/significant other...whatever inspires and motivates you. I did it for all of the above...and I did it for my career as well. I have a great job that I love...and I didn't want my weight to get in the way or slow me down.

For those of you pursuing approval, keep trying. For those of you scheduled, best wishes. For those of you who are post-surgery, keep rockin' it! All the best...

What an inspiring post! Good for you & keep us going with your uplifting posts! Hope to hear about your journey often!

I've got 11 more days left on my 2 week pre surgery diet...sure was encouraged by reading your post!!! Thanks, Susan

Great post! Thanks so much for sharing your experience. It is very inspiring to those of us who are behind you in the process. I had surgery on Thursday and am really looking forward to being one month out...!

What a great, inspiring post! Wishing you continued success on this journey....you're doing great!

youre a month out, I'm a month away. I needed to hear this. thanks for the uplifting and inspiring post. very appreciated during this difficult time of waiting and second guessing.

I'm jealous. You've lost 30 lbs from July 25th and I've lost 17 from July 16th. I started at a lower weight (174) but still. I think I should have lost more. I've been losing and gaining the same 1 lb this whole week

Congrats on ur success so far. I'm sure it feels wonderful!

I totally agree, at three weeks out I just wish I had done this sooner. No complications, no hunger, no cravings, & a feeling of satiety when I eat. This surgery has been a blessing and I thank God for it every day!

This was so inspirational I'm scheduled for September 10, 2013 and I'm so nervous and excited just want to be sure I'm making the right decision.

Thanks, everyone. Those of you who are nervous as anxious, try not to be. I'm not going to tell you surgery is easy or fun...I'm not a fan of hospitals and doctors and having to ask someone to help me pee. I could not wait to get out, but one long weekend of discomfort and blah was absolutely worth it. I was literally a lazy bum over the weekend after being released on Friday...watched lots of movies in between walks. But on Monday, I worked a full day and went to a soccer meeting for my son after work...and felt great, except for my itchy stomach. Like most of us, I didn't have time to be down for long...so I went into it knowing I had to hit the ground running. Keep the faith...don't let your head get in the way of what you need to do for your health.

Thanks for the great post. My surgery is not scheduled yet but I am getting closer. Honestly I have been dragging my feet because I am so afraid. I love to hear such a positive report. It gives me the motivation I need to move forward in the process.

I wish you continued success.