So I haven't checked in for a while, so I thought I would give an update. I had surgery with jaime Ponce de leon on Nov, 20th, 2014 in Tijuana (booked through bariatricpal).

I am now aprox 10 weeks past surgery. I have lost almost 50lbs and still losing. What an awesome thing to do through a season we most always hide from the scale. I wanted to share some experiences with me over that time.

Like many of you I gained weight over the years, topping out at almost 290lbs (I am a 6'1" male). When I looked in the mirror, I always saw the same me no matter what weight I was. It was the pictures of me I would see that made me say "Am I really that big?". I think we all go through this denial (even though it was almost every picture I saw that made me think it). Over the last two months I have had the weight falling off, but similar experience in front of the mirror. I still see the same me (one that was 50lbs heavier a little while ago) and do not see the weight loss. I know I am losing (I buy pants that last 2-4 weeks before I need something smaller) but I do not see that change yet. I am curious if others go through this? I guess it only makes sense that I never saw me gain weight in the mirror (so how could I lose it). Still a weird experience.

I had a business trip this week for the first time. I usually dreaded coming home and finding out how much I have gained eating out every day (and some drinks at night). I am happy to report that I actually lost 1.5lbs during my trip!

Drinking has been tougher (but ultimately better for me). I was one that tended to drink to get drunk (I know, that sounds bad). I have a hard time getting to that buzzed stage because of the slower rate I can intake. I have not had a soda or beer since pre-op (and maybe never will). If I am headed out to a bar for a night out, I usually keep a lemonade mio in my pocket to mix with a vodka and Water. Once in a while I have a bloody mary, but I am a little more sensitive to acid drinks. I just overall drink much less (which is better for me and my goals anyway).

I can still eat very little. My hardest part has been eating slowly (or you pay). I start each day with a greek yogurt and 30mg Protein supplement. lunch is usually either another yogurt, a Soup, or salad. I tend to snack more (beef jerkey for some reason is really easy on my stomach and is my snack of choice). I also grab those yummy wasabi almonds!

My goal having this surgery was to be able to enjoy food, but not have it control me. I have dieted many times in the past with me always over indulging when the diet was over. I think part of that is my compulsive and ADHD traits. I did not want to feel like I am in a diet, where I will only return to my bad habits at some point.

To help with that I eat what I want to eat. If I have a craving, I eat it (within reason). The good part is the qty you eat is so much smaller, that you suffice the want, without killing your progress. I do not feel like I am on a diet, and that is the best part.

So here are some pics of me before surgery and today (10 weeks later). Still more to go, but happy with where I am today.

Good job and great pics! It really helps us soon-to-be-sleevers to see actual results. May you continue to be a loser! Ha!