I have to say that this is by far the best thing I have ever done for ME! Having said that, the first week after surgery sucked for me. I had the "what have I done" feeling every minute. I was in pain, on liquids and hungry, just feeling blah overall but let me tell you by the end of week two I felt good and now at 1 month post op... well I am feeling great!

The weight loss down and dirty... started pre-op May 25, weighed in at 262. I lost 8.5 on the 5 day liquid pre-op. I could only eat drink was protein shakes,sugar free popsicles, sugar free jello, and 8 oz broth each day... i didn't cheat but boy was I tempted. Pre-op diet STINKS! I swear it is the hardest part, think about it, I can't control my eating and coming to have WLS and they tell me to basically starve myself... When you get through this, you have made it!

Flash Forward- lost a total of 22 pounds 19 pounds because I gained back 3 going on a regular diet and one big cheat day, but I am doing 40 minutes a day in cardio and started some 1 pound weight toning, still restricted on lifting for 2 more weeks. I feel that if I don't move I am not going to lose, so as much as I love hate exercising I do it! Feels great to accomplish my goal each day! I can't believe that I am starting to fiut into my old fat clothes... I have been between a 14/16 to a 22 W in the last 3 years, yes I can lose, no I can't maintain, which is why I need the band!

My fitness pal has become my BFF (BTW, add me- user name- neatnickk) I log EVERYTHING!! I strongly reccommend this... be accountable, dont cheat because the only person that you cheat is YOU! Make this day the day you decide to be accountable... We will do this together, I

need support, you need support... We are all in the same boat!

I have to give a big shout out to hubby and family.. they are so great! Hubby is down 15 since my surgery and 15 year old son (football player, 6'1" feet tall, 250 pounds and all muscle, is down 4 pounds, even though he doesn't need it) my girls are very supportive too... every one eats the foods I can eat and is loving this new lifestyle. We are all working out together and really having a good time, who knew my surgery would make us a closer family... like I said BEST THING I HAVE DONE FOR ME (and them)!

I think the plication has really helped hunger but I still deal with head hunger, some days not at all, others like a hibernating bear having his first meal... but I'm dealing and improving each day!

So tell me... where are you in the process? How are you feeling? Best tips? Worst nightmares? Share... that's why we are here!