I don't begin a lot of threads on here but had to share! I had a VSG on July 17th, 2012, with a starting weight of 321lbs. This weekend was my 18th wedding anniversay, I ran my first 5K (yes I said ran - no walking), and I met my goal weight of 175!!!!! I have lost 146 pounds and am SOOOOOOOO happy with myself and my future. For those of you who have not had the surgery, this is not an easy journey and it takes dedication as well as determination and planning! If you think this is the quick fix to your weight problems, you are wrong. This is a journey of learning to take accountability for what goes in your mouth, if you exercise or not, for your actions on a daily basis. I have gone from a size 26 to a comfortable size 8, I have lost almost 6 feet in inches from all parts of my body, and I have learned to live with my choices and learned to work the tool I have been given for the best results. That took a lot of educating myself and a lot of planning ahead to make sure i have the foods I need on hand at all times, even during the day when I am away from home. Before you have this surgery, make the decision to do it no matter what and don't look back!! This has been and continues to be, an awesome journey!!!

What a terrific achievement. As a relative newbie I'm going to print your post and keep it handy for when I need reminding of how the successful folks do it.

Thanks for taking the time to put it out here.