I'm in the program. I've decided on which surgery. I've found a support group in town that meets once a month. And, most importantly, have the insurance ok. I've met with the internist and pulmonologist and had the psych evaluation.....I'm moving forward but I've only lost 20lbs so far and have 45lbs still to go before they'll do surgery....I'm hoping it'll be sometime in March...I think I can lose that in a few months...I'm 409lbs(approx). But getting around my 'inner excuse soap box' is HARD! I need to buckle down and start the Protein Shakes and just haven't yet....anyone have any motivational you tube videos they've watched? Or TedTalk Or even a magazine article that really spoke to them?

I don't know about youtube, but if you use instagram, search for the tag #vsg. The pictures are so motivational. Seeing what is possible our new 'tool' is amazing. It keeps me focused.

I am in the pre-surgery diet phase now as well. One tip, which is helping me is using a protein shake as a meal replacement where I would usually consume too many.. specifically lunch time.

Best

Rob

Get a fitbit or other kind of pedometer. Even if your activity is low, just challenging yourself to take a couple hundred more steps will keep your activity moving in the right direction and boost your metabolism. Best wishes!

Use an app like Baritastic to track intake and exercise, journal, etc. It's free. Look for these people on youtube - chemistry queen, jerseyjules, clusie and check out Dr. Matthew Weiner, too.

I had to go through a six-month supervised diet. My dietitian had me limit myself to 2300 calories a day and start adopting some of the eating patterns & requirements that I'd need post-surgery (for example, I had to gradually increase my protein and decrease my carbs (esp "bad" carbs), focus on protein & vegetables and limit myself to 1-2 servings of fruit, drink at least eight cups of water a day, start weaning myself off caffeine, etc). Plus I had to start exercising. I think she started me at three times a week, 30 minutes each time. Even walking was OK (I mostly swam and did water aerobics, though). I lost 57 lbs, but I really stuck to it.