Friday I went in for my one month follow-up with the surgeon following my sleeve gastrectomy on Dec 16th.

I'm down 35 pounds, blood pressure is great. Scars are there, but hardly anything too speak of.

Other than the (sometimes TERRIBLE) constipation that I have experienced intermittently, my recovery has been fantastic. I'm feeling great, and not being tempted by the food around me.

I've been to a few group support meetings, but none of them really "fit" me. I need to find one in Los Angeles with similarly aged men. The groups I visited were primarily women much older than me, and while the vibe was all positive, I could tell that their needs as "recoverers" were different than mine.

Doc says all systems are go for me, and today I'm going to go to the gym for the first time in almost 2 years. Treadmill and light weights are all I can handle right now, but hoping to accelerate what has already been RAPID loss.

While eating has always been an issue for me, my biggest fear about my new regimen was quitting drinking. For almost 20 years I have been an every day drinker. Not always a ton, but always something. And while I miss the ritual of drinking nightly, I haven't had any physical withdrawals or cravings for alcohol since I stopped drinking during surgery prep. I'm certain that the weight loss so far has been greatly improved by losing all those empty, nightly calories.

Please wish me continued good luck, as I will for you on your journey.

Sounds like you're doing great! Keep up the good work!

Hey Bob B--I can totally relate. I had my surgery end of Nov/2014 and joined a local gym a day after Christmas. I try to go 4 days a week doing treadmill and some weights. I am down about 30 pounds so far but I miss having a few drinks especially during the past weeks with football or just coming home from work after a long day and having my favorite drink. It is truly another thing I have to overcome with my weight lose journey. Be well.