Wow! I try not to get too excited each time I check my weight. As those who have struggled with weight loss we ask ourselves, when is the other shoe going to drop and the weight stops coming off? Well I am sure at some point I will stall and have doubts, but it is my peers and support group and this site that will help me move on.

Just a little back ground I started my liquid diet weight 328 pds on October 13th. I tipped the scales the day of surgery at 307. Today, and to my amazement, I weighed in 283 November 15th. I started in size 46-48 paints and depending on the fit I can now fit comfortable in 40-42 pants. Heck it was exciting to have to buy a new belt last week. I even got to do a morning happy dance for my wife and kids when I was able to button my size 40 jeans for the first time in years.

I keep telling everyone that this surgery was, and is, a tool to help me succeed. It is not the cure all and will never be, but a chance to help me become healthy!

What am I doing to succeed? I am following the plan, staying positive and have the right mindset. I am on the first phase still of the post op diet for Dr. Hoen. It is basically, Eggs, Baby Bell Cheese, Tuna, Protein Drinks, String Cheese, Soft Shelled Fish, Refried Beans and lots of Liquid. I have also been able to use skim milk instead of water for my protein drink.... which is a blessing. I have also been able to drink tea which I was happy about, and I still am getting a lot of water in.

Last week and Today I had clients come in, which meant entertaining lunch and dinners. At first I was scared, but decided to share with them my experience and decision of the surgery. That way I was not uncomfortable when only eating a few bites of food and them thinking what is wrong with this guy.

I had choices at the restaurants, before the surgery and always chose wrong. I had to always go for the gusto and get the biggest steak or the most food for the bucks. Now it is totally awesome to order fish at this point and baked, grilled, smoked etc... and enjoy the taste and be satisfied after a few bites is a totally new and awesome feeling. It also does not hurt knowing I will be having good left overs for lunch and most likely dinner the next day.

Today I am blogging to help those who are struggeling and doubting. I know there are doubts about this decision people have gone through, or are going to have; however focus on the positive and know that in the end our goals should all be the same and that we have done this to be healthy! I am already rid of diabetes and am looking forward to my blood work follow up next month to see how my high chol, blood pressure, and all is doing. I am feeling more energy every day. I am walking 30 minutes daily and looking foward to expanding my workouts even more.

Be on the lookout of before and after pics in the upcoming weeks.

I appreciate you reading and following along on my blog!

Dennis P. Clark Jr. ( MU DOG)