Hello all,

I just wanted to drop in and provide a brief update. I am about 3.5 months post-op. At 105 pounds lost, I stalled for about 2&1/2 weeks staying constant and even gaining 1/2 pound. I didn't freak out however, (mostly thanks to you wonderful people because in your writings and sharing of your stories you prepared me for this eventuality) and I just kept working the plan, Protein, Water, exercise, exercise, exercise. I am now happy to report that I am back to dropping weight!

I am currently at 107 pounds lost. I also want to Thank you all for helping me to appreciate the Non scale Victories that continued during my stall. I know that muscle weighs more than fat, and I am now working out harder than I have since I was a Freshman in college, 27 years ago. My clothes fit better, (The few clothes I actually have at this point! LOL) I feel better, and am living the active life I used to live.

I guess I just wanted to Thank all of you who have been so supportive and inspirational. This has been a wonderful, strange and unexpected journey...its good to know that you do not have to make it alone, even if you have never met your fellow travelers!

Good Luck to all of us, together we can accomplish extraordinary things!

R.

How are you loosing so fast... my surgery is Tuesday morning. I'm so excited. What do you use for protein powder, there are so many out there.... what are you doing to have lost so quick. What was your starting weight if you don't mind me asking

I stared at 460lbs. I have been pretty fanatical about eating only very high Protein, very low carbs and very low fat. More importantly to my mind is the commitment to exercise. I walk/hike at least 5 miles everyday. During the work week my wife and I get up at 4:30am and get in at least a 3 mile walk, then in the evening after work we try to get in an additional 3 mile hike in the woods near our home. I also have returned to lifting weights which I try to get in at least 3 days a week in the evenings either before or after the evening hike. It is tough to make the time because I also work a second job as a college professor two nights a week, but I just look at it as something that must be done.

I have gotten to the point where I now look forward to the walks and hikes as the enjoyment portion of my day, and I cannot wait to get home from work to unwind on the trails.

Truly I am not doing anything special or different from what everyone else here is doing, I just have made the decision that I am worth it, that I will make the time for myself, and that I want to live a long healthy life full of adventure and activity. I was very fortunate that I did not have any of the health concerns which are typical of someone who was as overweight as I was/am. I do however know that it was most likely only a matter of time, so I am going to do everything I can to avoid those pitfalls and get healthy.

I actually used EAS pre-made Protein shakes. They are 11 ounces, 100 calories and 17 grams of protein each. They even taste pretty good.

I know you are going to do great! The hardest part is getting past what we have preconceived in our heads as to what is necessary in life. I struggle with not using food as a comfort or a crutch, but now that I have started to make positive changes I just want to keep doing/making more.

There are really good people on this site, and many have been, and are inspirations to me and my journey. Whenever it gets hard, or I feel down, I come on here, read a success story, realize that anything is possible, and then go back to the plan re-energized. I wish you the absolute best, just keep telling yourself what I know is the truth...You Can Do This!