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I decided to share my story with you all. I'm a sudden cardiac arrest ( also known as sudden cardiac death) survivor. I was at work on October 30th 2015 when I was stricken. I was clinically dead for over 5 minutes. I was revived with the use of an AED (automated external defibrillator). I also suffered from mild cognitive impairment, kidney failure and laryngeal edema (swelling of the larynx) which was so severe an emergency tracheostomy was performed on me. I spent 30 days in the hospital with majority of them in ICU. The total survival rate from sudden cardiac arrest which kills 17 million people every year worldwide is only 1%. I am a walking and talking miracle and thank God everyday for my miracle. I was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy ( severe thickening of the lower left ventricle in my heart) which was the cause of my cardiac arrest and had an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) surgically implanted in my chest to shock my heart back into rhythm if my heartbeat becomes irregular. I have been advised by my cardiologist not to engage any strenuous exercises due to my enlarged heart. I've been obese since my late 20's (I'm 51 now) and decided to have WLS after years of failed diets and exercise, I decided to take control of my health once and for all. I had RNY surgery on April 11th and to this date, I am 93 lbs. down with in just a little under 5 months with 50 lbs. to go until I reach my goal weight and I feel great! I accomplished my current progress without exercise due to my restrictions. Follow your post-op meal plan closely and with time, you will see and feel the weight coming off. I just want let you all know, if your journey is slow and your faith is low, I want you to keep your head up! Just remember this, you did not become obese overnight, it took time and it will take time for the weight to come off. I'm sorry for taking up your time but I just felt compelled to tell you my story since we're all brothers and sisters in this journey.

Well, it is here. I must say 3 months went quickly. I’m drinking clear liquids only today and then at 6pm I have to do the dreaded prep. I guess the bathroom will be where I spend most of the night... I don’t know why I need to clear out my colon for VSG but I will comply...

I started at a BMI of 40. SW was 209. I am almost 3 months out and have lost about 25 pounds. So I have lost about 33% of my excess weight. While this is a lower amount of loss it is the expected percentage for 3 mths out. It is so hard not to compare to others but there are so many factors that effect rate of loss from starting weight, gender, hight, and medical considerations. So I am averaging about 2 pounds a week. I am OK with this rate loss as long as I continue to trend down. Best of luck on your journey and remember to follow your plan, drink water, move, and enjoy life. New_Me 2019

I didn't have to do any prep. I'm glad that sounds like it would suck. Good luck! You'll make it :-)

Not diagnosing and please talk to your doctor. But generally it's better to be on the low end of normal for WBC's. It generally means your body isn't having fight off anything or make repairs. For instance smokers generally have high end normal to slightly above normal WBC's due to their body having to constantly be attempting to repair all the damage smoking causes.

Yeah, I’m debating on whether to tell my in-laws or not because they are so judgmental about my weight, my job, my home...well pretty much everything. My husband, my kids, my parents, & my coworkers support my WLS decision. So the in-laws can say what they will, it probably won’t be positive, but whatever... the surgery is for me not them.

My mom is super supportive, she is all for it. My husband is supportive, but he would never consider it for himself, so sometimes I get the feeling he doesn't really like it. He's hoping this will help my fertility, so my getting surgery quite possibly will benefit him as well. The only thing I think I'll need to work on with him is having him not bring home so much junk food no matter how good his intentions are. One of my clients from my side business has expressed her disappointment in my choice and wants me to consider trying Weight Watchers again. As much as I adore her, I just had to let that judgement pass. Everyone else is kind of in the "If that's what you want to do" boat. We'll see if those people end up ghosting me or staying friends afterward. My best advice is to just know why you're doing it and not feel like you have to answer to anyone else. I think it's nearly impossible to change the mind of anti-surgery people, the best way is to show them you made the right choice by living your happiest, healthiest life! You'll do great!

Sorry I felt the need to post my next milestone hitting 270lbs today & Monday I'll be two weeks away from surgery I like to share positive thoughts and messages to those who may be feeling discouraged!

it's a stall. Your 500-600 calories a day is fine - and do NOT worry about calories at this point. Only focus on protein and fluid intake. you are what we call a "lightweight" and you're not going to lose nearly as fast as someone who starts at over 300 lbs. Combine that with the stall and....you're probably right where you need to be. Just stick to your plan. The weight will start to drop again once the stall breaks, and you WILL lose your excess weight as long as you stick to your surgeon's plan.

For the past few weeks the scale has been going back and forth between 198-200lbs. I refused to count it until I was under 197-today is that day😄😁 1st goal get under 200lbs met!