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Hello everyone!

I've been a bigger person for most of my life and I've tried nearly every diet on the market. I was 450 lbs when I got married and my wife was roughly 350 lbs. She eventually had gastric sleeve surgery and we divorced so she could start "her whole new life".

I, on the other hand, fell into a deep depression, became a recluse, and my weight exploded up to 660 lbs as I was heartbroken and emotionally eating myself to death. I was in so much physical pain I couldn't stand for more than 5 minutes.

Finally 3 years ago I started doing a low carb/high Protein diet, and 5 minute walks which eventually increased to over an hour.

Now my weight is down to 446 lbs. I feel a LOT better but I been struggling to lose more weight as I have been stuck between 446 and 470 lbs for close to a year.

My doctor recommended weight loss surgery and I'm now scheduled to be sleeved on December 14. Yay!

I must say I'm really enjoying reading so many awesome inspirational stories of everyone's success. I know Post-Op life will be a challenge but I'm only moving forward, and never looking back.

Good luck to everyone!

Don't look back, turn the page, and let your next chapter begin!

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Congrats on the huge loss on your own. Good luck on your surgery and keep us informed. I am still preop but have found some much info and support on here already. So much to learn also from many who were sleeved years ago and know exactly what NOT to do. ????

Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

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Congrats on the huge loss on your own. Good luck on your surgery and keep us informed. I am still preop but have found some much info and support on here already. So much to learn also from many who were sleeved years ago and know exactly what NOT to do. ????

Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

Thanks for the congrats and the kind words. Definitely a lot to learn but we can all do it. Good luck!

Don't look back, turn the page, and let your next chapter begin!

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"Hopeful" sounds like understatement. You're going to do this. You're going to make wonderful things happen for yourself. It takes work and patience and willingness to face rough days now and then, but you already know how to approach those things. There's plenty of support "out there" and in BP.

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What an awesome stride you've already made to a better, healthier life. You should be super proud of the progress you've made and I have NO DOUBT you are going to rock your sleeve.

It's going to be a beautiful day when you meet the woman who deserves you. I can't wait to hear updates on your progress.

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Wow you have done amazing to date and I am very sure you will continue to do so.

Please keep posting so we know how you are getting on.

Kate

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"Hopeful" sounds like understatement. You're going to do this. You're going to make wonderful things happen for yourself. It takes work and patience and willingness to face rough days now and then, but you already know how to approach those things. There's plenty of support "out there" and in BP.

Thanks for the kind words and optimistic outlook. Sometimes on this journey I have to remind myself of just how far I've already come. I also have to remember to stay positive, even though I'm really nervous, but I'm happy to have found some many awesome people on the same journey.

Thanks again.

I know we can all do this, continued good luck to everyone!

Don't look back, turn the page, and let your next chapter begin!

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What an awesome stride you've already made to a better, healthier life. You should be super proud of the progress you've made and I have NO DOUBT you are going to rock your sleeve.

It's going to be a beautiful day when you meet the woman who deserves you. I can't wait to hear updates on your progress.

Thanks so much, for your kind and complimentary words.

I've missed out on so many years of opportunities and fun.

I'm definitely going to work hard using the sleeve to obtain the life of love and laughs that I want to have.

I know we can all do this.

Thanks again!

Don't look back, turn the page, and let your next chapter begin!

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Wow you have done amazing to date and I am very sure you will continue to do so.

Please keep posting so we know how you are getting on.

Kate

Thanks Kate!

I will keep posting as I love all the awesome interactivity on the boards.

I also have to remember this weight loss journey is a marathon not a sprint.

Thanks again!

Don't look back, turn the page, and let your next chapter begin!

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@@OneReallyBigBird, man you rocked it with all that weight loss on your own!!!

Have you learned how to deal with depression? Please continue or start going to counseling as much as you need to. It's really important to learn how to deal with disappointments and hurt . This journey. But, other than that your awesome! And congratulations for your upcoming surgery date.

, keep up the good work!!!

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@@OneReallyBigBird, man you rocked it with all that weight loss on your own!!!

Have you learned how to deal with depression? Please continue or start going to counseling as much as you need to. It's really important to learn how to deal with disappointments and hurt . This journey. But, other than that your awesome! And congratulations for your upcoming surgery date.

, keep up the good work!!!

Thanks for your awesome comments.

You're totally right about the need to deal with depression.

I have been seeing a therapist for just over a year now, and it has helped enormously.

I knew I needed help dealing my anger and regrets about the past.

I figured I needed to work on improving my mental health, while bettering my physical health.

I also do a lot of mindfulness meditation exercises, which I strongly recommend to everyone as well.

Thanks again, I greatly appreciated your wisdom and insight.

Don't look back, turn the page, and let your next chapter begin!

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Great!

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You are a true Inspiration!!! You did on you own what a lot of us could only dream to accomplish! It took dedication and drive... Your wife lost a strong man! I'm just sitting here thinking if you did that on you own imagine what you will do once the surgery is done. I can't wait to see work! You got this hands down....

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You are a true Inspiration!!! You did on you own what a lot of us could only dream to accomplish! It took dedication and drive... Your wife lost a strong man! I'm just sitting here thinking if you did that on you own imagine what you will do once the surgery is done. I can't wait to see work! You got this hands down....

Thank you Raymia!

Your kind and complimentary words are greatly appreciated.

Sometimes I'm so focused on getting to the goal, that I forget to acknowledge how far I've already come. I still have such a long way to go but I feel so blessed that I will have the sleeve as a tool to help me get to my destination.

Thanks again, for sharing your thoughts, as they definitely make this journey I'm on a little easier.

Don't look back, turn the page, and let your next chapter begin!

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You ought to check out @salodyssey. He started out as a pretty big guy as well. He has some struggles that are a bit different from a lot of us and he might be able to give a better prospective.

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    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
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