I had surgery 14 May 2013 at 98 kg. I expect to be 68 kg within the next week and my 6-month anniversary is 14 Nov, also this week. That will put me 30 kg down (66 lb) and exactly at 70% of excess weight lost. This was my surgeon's goal as it puts me at the very top of the Overweight range, rather than obese. Personally, I want to get to the middle of the healthy range if I can, which means losing another 18 kg or so. But I already feel like a success.

How did I do it? I eat around 800 calories a day, get at least 40g Protein, and try to stay under 100g carbs. I'm not fanatical about the calories or carbs. I usually eat 50g of a meat for lunch and dinner every day, along with veggies and a little carbs. I started a running program and now run 15+ km a week in three runs. I log all food and exercise on MyFitnessPal. I do a lot of walking now as part of my everyday routines. And I stop eating when I'm full, regardless of what is left on my plate. I follow my surgeon's and dietitian's plans, which allow me to have everything in moderation. But I did not cheat one bit on the graduated diet. It's really hard for me to understand the severity of craving that makes people put their brand new sleeves at risk by advancing their diet too quickly.

The first 6 months is the honeymoon. I realize that it will slow down and I will have to work harder to get the other 30% excess off. I'm not kidding myself that I have it all figured out. I have read every book I could get my hands on about the sleeve, bariatric surgery, and long-term success with changing habits and making life-long changes. I recommend "Success Habits of Weight Loss Surgery Patients" which is available for the kindle or iPad as well as in book form. Another good one is called "Eat it Up."

I have read the Vet forum since day 1 because I recognize that they are living the hardest part of the journey. I'd like to lose the rest of my excess weight within the first year post-op, but if I don't, I hope I won't be devastated. The most important thing is not how long it takes me to get there, but how long and how consistently I stay there.

Way to go! I also find the vet forums the most helpful.