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My Mom said "a daughter of mine doesn't need to have WLS". I explained to her that because of my diabetes that I NEED to do it. I took her with me to my meetings with the surgeon. After a bit she was able to understand that it was best. Now I am off my diabetic meds and 80 lbs down, so it more accepted by all who were not supportive. You know I have said to her and others that were against it...until you are in MY shoes with MY medical problems then you have NOTHING to say about it...I NOT asking for your approval...just letting you know what I"LL being doing to TAKE CARE of myself. If they support you great, if they don't you have ALL OF US...like how many of us are there???? BIG HUG from me to you.

Wow...where do I start.... I up my workout game this week. Moved from 2.5 miles to 3 miles of walking this week. I am really loving this sleeve knowing that the fruits of my workout will reflect in my body transformation. I walked into my office yesterday and one of the ladies said I looked stunning. It did wonders for my inner self. In fact, a number of people are commenting on my weight loss. I went to a BBQ on Labor Day (dat was torture) and I girl I had not seen in a few months, told me I had lost weight and looked good...Made me feel all giddy..especially since I am still about 50lbs shy of my final goal...I can only imagine what that will look like. But back to the BBQ...There was so much food and drink...I think I missed the alcohol more than I did the food. BBQ is almost a synonym for drinking and all could have was my light pink lemonade...The compliments made it better though...lol... This week also represents the week, I put on a two pair of shorts I could not wear pre-surgery and a pair of jeans...One pair of shorts was actually loose...I have this lil dress that I wore in the day that I absolutely loved. I am not sure if I would wear it again as an outfit as it is dated but I kept it because I wanted to get back into it...The day that happens....I think I am going to hit the floor....(but I also plan on taking pics to mark that day). I told my mom about the surgery this week. I had not told her before because when I tried feeling her out about it, she had so much negative stuff to say so I left her out of one of the most important decisions of my life. I felt bad and underhanded but I needed to mentally prepare for this surgery and so could not deal with her opinions. She still had some stuff to say about it but now that it is done, I do not receive her comments as hard. This Sunday I am able to start soft foods. I am so happy...These last two weeks I have really begun to miss food. I have planned about 30 first meals...lol..My body is over the protein shakes so I need some natural protein. My stomach is upset with the protein shakes. As I begin to eat, I am hoping I can once again tolerate them as they offer a good influx of protein if you are struggling to get it in. I am still not having regular bowel movements without assistance of a stool softner. Driving me crazy as I went everyday so to be only able to go once a week with assistance gets me so out of sorts. But with all that said...where I am today...I think I am beginning to see some changes..I measure next Friday so I am excited to see what those numbers reveal. VSG 08/17/12 HT 5'8 HW 232 (08/13/12) SW 227 CW 208.8 (-23.6lbs) I will take it...I had a goal (one of many) to be 205 by 09/17. I am on target to make it happen...(Sleeve don't fail me now..lol)

As always, I have made my neighbors wonder how I ever got out of the mental institute. At least this time, I didn't flash some poor, unexpecting man my boobs...though he really did seem to enjoy that. No, today I did that thing that we all do sometimes when we are working out. I forgot I was in public. Not only was I in public, it was 7am and there were TONS of people out walking (their dogs or themselves). Before I went on my 2mile walk (yes, two miles...thank you...thank you...thank you...you can hold your applause now LOL) I decided to add some old CDs that I had found to my phone so that I would have something different to listen to as I walked. Great idea right? This would help motivate me, get me moving a little faster, and help keep me walking more than I have been. Well, that's all true. EXCEPT one thing....I forgot how much I enjoyed some of these tunes. So, not only was I singing along as I walked (I tried to stop when I saw someone coming), I was also doing that upper body dance thing with my arms....you know the one right? It's when you start moving your arms and bobbing up and down?! But, that wasn't the worst part, the worst was when I decided to get my legs involved. Apparently, I didn't think putting one foot in front of the other was good enough. Nope, I thought it would be neat to do a little side step ever once and a while....as well as some some back and forth foot work. This wouldn't have been too bad except I got caught BIG time. Not just by the person in front in me walking their dog, but also by the man driving behind me. I have no idea how long either one was there. The BEST part of the whole thing was watching the man walking directly toward me get the look on his face as to say, "what is wrong with her" and ever so slowly cross the road for no other reason to get away from me. And yes, I made sure to say, "Hello" as I passed. I thought about stopping and petting the dog, but I didn't want to be sprayed with mace. LOL After being caught twice in a matter of seconds, I decided that I should stop my dancing and focus on walking. That was all well and good until "Brown Eyed Girl" came on. Something took over and I was unable to control myself. The words came pouring out of my mouth and my arms and shoulders started going. That is until I noticed an older woman walking her dog and another man attempting to control his dog. It was barking and attempting to break away in an attempt to get to me...and it didn't appear that he wanted to give me lovings. Apparently dogs are not very fond of my singing ability. Damn, and I was planing on auditioning for the Voice next year....LOL. Now that I am home, safe and sound. I have decided that going for my walk in the morning is not the best idea. I think I will leave the walking to the afternoon or evening when there are less people out there to scare. I mean come on, I've got to maintain some type of normalcy....or at least pretend to. Now excuse me as I go turn up Price and dance around the house like the Dancing Queen I (think) am.

When I went to the free seminar to learn about the different options, I learned how safe the sleeve is. Dr. Brathwaite said I was at a higher risk of dying from a complication due to being obese than from the surgery. He is right. I was borderline diabetic before my surgery on June 11, 2012. Now, 54 pounds lighter, all of my blood work came back perfect!! I don't think there is a single person who would consider having wls that hasn't tried every diet out there already. Bottom line, you need to do what is best for you and not let other people make you feel bad for your decision. Good luck!

Great visuals with that blog! LOL. I usually dance around in the kitchen or laundry room - how boring is that!

How sad your walking path happens to be in "unhappy, stuck-up land". Holy smokes, people either need to learn how to relax, or they need to learn what actual HAPPY people look like. I say keep walking in the morning if that's when you want to do it. They will either 1) get used to you and follow suit....thus making the walk more enjoyable, or 2) take their sour-puss, stuck up, unhappy, RUDE selves back home and walk when you're not. I say don't give up for ANYONE....it's a free country and you have every right to express your happiness any way you please. Especially after the success you've had and how hard you're working to continue the outstanding progress! Dance on, sista!! I say add some ABBA and some Freddy Murcury and see how they like that!

The best way I heard it explained was that you will notice but no one else will. You will see extra loss in the shower or when you brush it. Yes it is gross. I hated it. I am a year out now and the regrowth is about 4 inches long. I have long hair and if I look I can see the 4 inch pieces mixed within the long hair. Dont scare yourself to much.

I was really worried about hair loss (I'm still pre-op), but now I'm embracing the possibility. I plan on getting a really cool, modern hair cut & color - something along the lines of Ellen Degeneres. I've had long hair all my life, I used it to cover my fat face/neck/double chin. So if I lose this 100 lbs, I will gladly give up my hair! I watched my sister lose all of her hair to cancer, and I really learned alot from her courage and sense of humor. Losing your hair is not the worst thing that can happen to you.