I am pre- op, scheduled June first and have been reading a lot of forums, journals, etc. what we know is that sleeve has ~ 50% weight loss success ( give or take depending on literature) . I have tried to set realistic goals to lose that 50-60% weight and not a true goal weight.

What I find interesting is quite a few on BP forums are at their goal weight. So what are the keys to success. Could one key be using and connecting with others on BP? Maybe staying on the path, staying aware of food is another....I plan to keep my WLS to my husband / myself .... So BP is a lifeline

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I think a big reason people on weight loss forums are at goal weight is because they have remained cognizant of the weight loss process and because they feel like they contribute to the forums as a person who, for whatever reason, has been successful. I'll be honest, if I started gaining weight I probably wouldn't post on here a lot because I wouldn't be thinking about my weight (or trying not to) and I'd be ashamed.

As for the keys to success, I think in the long term the biggest is to do what works for you, which takes some trial and error. I was never a rule-follower. I drank with straws, I always drink with my meals, I didn't pay a lot of attention to Protein, I eat crackers, I had chocolate a few months after surgery and a few sips of champagne to be polite 3 weeks after surgery. I almost never sit down and eat an actual meal, I mostly eat when I feel hungry and I snack a lot. I used to be big on sweets, but while they often make me feel sick, I really don't have any big cravings for them anymore. When I am somewhere with sweets, I just don't eat any. The one thing I found consistently is that when I sweets, I absolutely gain weight. If I stay away from them, I have a lot more flexibility in my diet.

I weigh myself everyday and write the number in a little calendar. I don't workout a lot anymore because I have found I can be lazy and maintain at goal. I think the one thing that has worked for me is the daily weigh-in. Last November I woke up after Halloween at 137, which is 8 pounds over my goal and the most I had weighed since hitting goal. It took me until January to get back to goal, but it was a good lesson that had I not been weighing myself everyday I would have had a lot more than 8 pounds to lose.

When surgery is over and your stomach is healed, it comes down to what you can do for the rest of your life. I was not willing to be thirsty during meals for the rest of my life, I wasn't willing to workout every single day for the rest of my life, and I'm not willing to be fat. Somewhere in the middle there is a compromise with myself that has allowed me to be where I want to be and also be happy and live a life that doesn't completely revolve around my weight.

Support and knowledge from groups like these and real life support groups is important. Learn as much as you can, and never be afraid to ask questions.

Following the basic rules of WLS 95% of the time. Also, you don't have to be a gym rat, but find a way to move more. Losing weight is more about the food, but overall health has to involve exercise. And honestly, you won't keep it off without it.

Being patient and persistent with yourself and the process. There's going to be ups and downs in moods, motivation, and even your weight. Be patient when it happens and just stay the course and you will get through it.

Understand that you are only human and missteps are going to happen. Learn from them, then MOVE ON instead of dwelling on it. There's no "cheating", only choices.

Know that this is for life, and your dedication to health and wellness shouldn't end once you lose the weight. When people forget that, regain happens.

Have fun and enjoy the process and the new you!

Thanks @@AvaFern and @babbs...... I have followed your postings throughout my journey and I appreciate your advice ....thanks!

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