I am so thankful for this site and everyone sharing their experiences and wisdom - I feel much more prepared for my surgery next week. I just decided to not "hide" my weight from my profile anymore despite my fear of being stigmaized (I already had one person comment on my BMI on this site) because I am ready for this surgery, this change and I do not have the energy to worry about judgement from others anymore. Plus, I was inspired by a few of you who are honest about your weight in your profile.

I am seeking others who have 200 lbs or more to lose and are willing to share how your journey has been and anything you've learned. I am happy for anyone who is ready to make this huge life shift, but I've only seen a handful of posts from people, like myself, who have so far to go on the scale. I am taking it day by day and trying to heal the things that led to my overeating and obesity while learning these new skills to take care of myself and eat healthfully.

What is working for you?

I'm at 356, which is less than what I thought I was. I don't have a scale at home, which I need to get...lol. I don't really care about the weight. I stopped caring about all that years ago. What I DO care about is my health. I plain old jane just do not feel good anymore. I can't do anything standing up for any length of time. I can barely even make it to the copier and back at work. That being said, I have been maintaining my weight the past several months. Up and down between 345 and 360. I'm ready to lose!!! I'm ready to feel better!

I too have about 200 lbs to get off. I want a weight of 150. I don't know if that is even realistic, but that is my personal goal. Hope all the best for you! Wish me luck....I get sleeved in 4 days!!!

I am like you in that I don't care about the weight just improving my health, quality of life, and get my mobility back. I am just beginning. I see the doctor next Tuesday. Also, I see the counsellor, dietitian, and exercise person. My biggest fear is that I don't get approved. I wish you the best and hope to hear from you again.

@@sbarbiegirl yay! Thanks for sharing the pics and the inspiration...Everyone who has responded to this thread has been so positive, thank you! I can't belive I get sleeved the day after tomorrow, and I feel ready thanks to everyone on this site.

My highest was 557 last February surgery day Oct 28th I got down to 482 I go in for my 6 month followup and I'm weighing in at 336. Still got a long road ahead but very happy with progress so far. Don't give in to pop and sweets and you will do fine

I have more than 200 to lose as well. No one realizes it, even my husband, because I hide behind a tough shield. No one besides my Dr knows what I weigh. I meet with the surgeon next week, April 21st, to schedule my surgery. I'm hoping for an early May surgery so that I can acclimate somewhat before my kids get out of school for the summer. I know how you feel though, there is fat shaming even amongst the overweight population. I've heard a woman say before "at least I'm not THAT fat". I totally understand. Feel free to vent to me any time.

I filled in a goal weight for my tickler, but honestly, I will be happy to get to Onderland. When I think of that big number I need to lose to be the "idea" weight for my height, it gets really intimidating, so I really don't think in those terms. I think in terms of exercising and making good food choices each and every day. I think about how good I feel when I exercise regularly, or when I drink water. I only weigh myself once a month so my focus in on doing the right thing and not the scale. I take my exercising seriously because I want to be strong and curvy, not skinny and wrinkled looking. As I see the scale steadily moving in the right direction I feel confident I am doing the right thing. I have prepared myself for this phase of my journey to health to be a long run. Losing the weight is just the current phase I am dealing with. Maintaining healthy habits will be my lifelong job.

@@BLERDgirl

You have a strong countenance in not weighing but once a month, and good for you for it! Do you take measurements to see your progress? Your clothes must be SLIDING off you!

@@BLERDgirl

You have a strong countenance in not weighing but once a month, and good for you for it! Do you take measurements to see your progress? Your clothes must be SLIDING off you!

I take measurements about every 3 months. I just want to focus on eating well & exercise.

I wanted to say welcome to the group. I just recently posted my weight after keeping it hidden for almost a month. I finally decided that other people's negative comments will not bother me. I am the same as you, need to lose about 200 lbs. I think having a good support system at home and here is super important. I have talked to nothing but nice people on here and have gotten my questions and advice answered.

We can do this if we all work together and stay positive

I have just had surgery on March 30th I had the sleeve I started at 472 and am now 414 I obviously have more than 200lbs to lose and am looking forward to it...I have thrown up twice from eating to fast and the second time definitely wasn't pleasant I think I learned to definitely eat slower and to stop rushing I'm just glad it happened now and not when I hit the solid food stage. I am a 20 year old male I live in New York Long Island and I deff am glad I did this surgery. It's amazing how this surgery changes your view on eating I feel like a failure for eating too fast and throwing up when I'm only 2 weeks post op but tomorrow is another day and we can only learn from our mistakes.