Hiya - in my first month of supervised diet, have 5 more to go before I can get a surgery date. Looking for anyone in a similar place to be a buddy as we go through this. I'm 46 years old with three kids, live near Seattle, Wa

Hi there . I live in Seatac. My name is Maureen. I had the sleeve May 2014. Have only lost 30 lb probably due to not exercising and cheating with sweets which causes dumping bad. I had surgery one month ago again for a hernia and dr. Said my stomach was up under my diaphragm. He said from throwing up. Some things do not work. Macaroni, most meats. Going to try more crock pot meats. I had surgery at Puget Sound Surgical in Edmonds. I am 57 not working. I was a caregiver for my brother who has Down's syndrome. Just moved him into an adult family home. I would love to share ideas, recipes and hope. Let me know

I'm 13 days post op. I only had to do 3 months of supervised diet. This is the time to train yourself NOT to cheat. It is all to prepare you for the two weeks before to shrink your liver and to help you post op. You are not supposed to be eating carbs like pasta and breads or sweets. If you have a good week reward yourself with a cookie or something you feel rewards you. If you do eat breads switch to whole grains. I cut out soda and coffee and ate sensible meals and lost 22 lbs without regular exercise. I would have lost even more if I exercised, which I regret. I had no fast food and only ate out with my husband twice. If you do not get in the habit of eating properly and following the rules your program set you will have problems. It's really annoying to see people post that they are eating stuff they know they are not supposed to have. Having this surgery is a gift and a TOOL to help you lose weight. It doesn't mean you can belly up to the trough again and eat like you did before. It isn't a quick fix it is a complete change of lifestyle. Their are people that go to other countries to have this surgery because they are so desperate to have it. Then you have some one post they eat a bunch of crap and then have the nerve to complain they aren't losing weight. They totally take this surgery for granted and it sickens me. Please be wise in who you choose to buddy with. People that are not eating properly you should avoid, they will lead you down a path of destruction. I wanted to make the change in my life to be healthier. That meant saying goodbye to a lot of foods that made me fat over the years. We all know our "triggers" and have our favorite foods that made us fat. I am very proud of myself for making the healthier choices. After having surgery I feel like a new person and I'm confident in making correct choices. It's not easy. But it is very empowering!! You have control of your life back and what you put in your body. You can add me as a friend if you like. I would be more than happy to email you and give support if you have a bad day. It's the start of a very long process but it is sooooo worth it!! Please stay away from people that will give you the mindset it's okay to eat sweets, carbs and all the other crap that made us fat to begin with. This is an amazing journey you are starting on and if you follow the rules you will be successful!! I wish you all the luck in the world, you will do great if you stay on track!! Peace, love and healthy eating!!!