Hello friends! Thanks to all who posted the kind, encouraging comments. I can't tell you how much it means - really helped snap me out of the funk. With the caveat that I'm always happier in the morning (vs. evening when I'm hungry and tired), I will say that today it all seems bearable. I stuck to the pre-op diet perfectly yesterday (although I had more than one sugar free popsickle...!). Today, I am committed to doing it again, no matter how hungry and headachy I get. If you guys can do this, I can do this too!

In other news: I've been watching the Aug. 19 thread and it is so exciting to see those with whom you've been watching for the past week go through the process. They seem to all be nervous and excited. That's how I feel too -- I have to go to sleep 3 more times before it's time for the surgery. Can't get here fast enough as far as I'm concerned! Also, a shout out to all those who are on the other side of surgery and have posted their great results on the comments to this blog and on the larger forum. It is such an inspiration.

Lastly, there was a huge article in my local paper today (Kansas City Star) about the dangers of visceral fat. Visceral fat is the fat that we carry around our internal organs. (If you are considering sleeve surgery, trust me you have it). Reading the article was added motivation and comfort that I am making the right decision for myself and my children by having this surgery.

One recommendation to others who are nervous and always second guessing: remember how dangerous it is to remain overweight. I get myself into trouble when I start saying "I don't care if I'm fat...I am used to not looking good and having to buy big girl clothes." This is not a cosmetic surgery for any of us. It is truly a chance at a long and healthy life vs. a life of heart problems, knee problems, other inflammatory disease problems, etc. We are doing this for the right reasons. And the risk of this surgery is less than the risk of gallbladder surgery or knee surgery (I looked it up to give myself some comparisons).

Okay, back to work. Feels good to post a positive blog entry!

Have a great day,

Angela