Okay you guys, I just finished my exercise and nutrition appointments. I received my sleep study kit in the mail today, so I be doing the test tonight. The only other thing I'm waiting for is a mental health evaluation. Hopefully, I'm be having surgery the end of September or beginning of October. Seems so close, yet so far away.

I have been cutting way back on my eating because I don't want to gain anymore than I have already. I feel like once I have this surgery, I will begin a whole new chapter in my life. The little things in life such as; riding a bike, running, tubing, traveling and not being ashamed of not fitting comfortable in a seat. I cant wait to go to the mall and shop in any store. Right now, I avoid going to the malls because I don't want to buy anything at this size. I want to be able to not feel pain all over my body. I want to eat healthier and look leaner.

I know there is a lot of discussion about saggy skin and having it removed, but I'm going to take it one day at a time and spanks will have to do until later........

Good luck on your surgery. At your stage I would recommend three things.

1. Take a good before photograph of yourself, so that you have something to compare to after surgery. Many times we are blind to our obesity. We do not see ourselves. Therefore when the weight begins to drop off rather dramatically, we question if this is really happening. Photographs are a good visualization of our success. Many people carry a before and after photo with them, just to remind themselves of their success.
2. Walk 30 minutes each day, every day until surgery (or equivalent exercise). Walking helps the recovery process go smoothly and minimized the pain levels from surgery.
3. Wean yourself from caffeine and carbonated beverages now. After I gave up my 6 diet coke a day habit, I suffered from a week of severe withdrawal syndrome consisting of severe headaches and body aches. I was miserable. You don't want to combine the effects of caffeine withdrawal with the effects of surgery.

Thanks for the advice....plain shelter water is going to be my challenge