LaValeHawk

I am currently TRYING to transition. I won't say that I am totally shooting for VEGAN, because if things are made with eggs/milk (i.e. breads/crackers but not cheesy milky sauces), I'm ok with that. I was inspired by a few documentaries I watched recently. One is "Forks over Knives". It was very eye opening and really convicted me about changing my diet. Of course, the protein challenge is my biggest hurdle. I am trying to tackle it daily and PRAYING that I don't set myself back in the process. I will say that I feel GREAT! I am 8 months post-op and have already experienced a "prolonged" plateau due to emotional eating of the "wrong" comfort foods. But, I am back on track now and doing what I have ALWAYS felt was best for me. Now just taking it one day at a time.

Good Luck to all the July Firecrackers!!! My surgeon called me @ abt 230 yesterday (hours before my surgery date of TODAY) and cancelled my surgery. I'm DEVASTATED!!!!! I have been anemic for years, but I just had surgery @ the end of May to resolve that issue. Evidently my pre-op labs show that I'm still anemic so he wants me to see a Hematologist to ensure that there isn't another source. I understand his concern, but after 2wks of a liquid diet & my family traveling from out of town just arriving immediately prior to his call............, HIS TIMING SUCKS!!!!!!!!

I am looking forward to embarking on this new adventure, but it's a NERVOUS excitement. Of course, even though I've gone through alot to get to this point, there's always that little voice that says " Can't you do this on your own. Without THIS tool?" I know it is not uncommon to have these fears, but despite my awareness, the doubt still comes. I have been overweight ALL of my adult life. My kids, one of my biggest motivators, have only known me to be overweight. Right now, I can't even imagine myself skinny. I want it desperately, but I have always fallen short of reaching my ULTIMATE goal with my previous efforts. So the prospect of actually being able to achieve it is what's soooo exciting! I hVe a question for everyone..... How long did you take off work after your surgery? This is only an issue for me because I had to have a hysterectomy in May. I was off 3wks. I'll be back to work for a total of 4 wks before my VSG. As of now, I have only taken off one week from work. Is that realistic?

So how long have you been off work? You've gotta be in the hospital if your working the holiday. Do u plan to work a 12 on your first day back?

Thanks to EVERYONE that has replied. We should keep the music from Rocky in the back of our minds.....the "theme music" for this phase of our Journey........LOL!!!!! ok.... For those not into "theme musi " it's ok..... But I know that THIS TIME..... we are going to FINALLY going to be VICTORIOUS against this long rivaled Obesity opponent!!!! Good luck Everyone!!!!! @ findingreneeagain: I have to do a liquid diet for 2 weeks pre-op. Today was my first day & OMG...... I think my kids think I've been playing a new instrument call the "Flatulant". LOL!!!! ( ok.... That was probably TMI, sorry ) hope that doesn't aggregate your pain. I hate to hear that ur still hurting. I would take advantage of the long weekend....do ABSOLUTLY NADA!!! Glad to see ur in good spirits. Your right. We must keep our eyes on the prize. @Thinkinthin LOL!!! u crack me up!!! But, "I feel ya!"..... Uve gotta do what uve gotta do!!!! All for the ultimate goal of "Healthy" even if uhave to "hide" for a few minutes. Please don't get caught!!! LOL!!! @ Cathie: my surgery is scheduled for July 14th. Are u doing a liquid diet right now? Good Luck on Tuesday!!! @ Candaceshenea: Awwhhh I hate u had this setback. Do u think that it was made worse by extra moving (like reaching above, sliding in ur chair, etc) on ur 1st day bk @ work? Sometimes the smallest of things that we normally do without a 2nd thought can set us bk. Thankfully u were able to give urself the extra time. Hang n there!! @ Penpen: Hey...... Have u been in my head? U sound like me with the "exploding stomach & blood clot" fears (among others) LOL!!!. But, ur right, I just keep reminding myself if my ultimate goal. I havent told but a few close friends & family abt me having this surgrey, so thats another added fear abt a longer recovery. I know it should be my LAST concern. So I keep reminding my self of that. @ Nancy: My job is pretty sedentary. But I will have to control how much I move around. THATS my plan. I've had a little practice with the recovery after my Hyst. I was "reminded" when I over did it. Hopefully I've learned how to gauge it.

I'm scheduled for July 14th. I'm a newbie & I haven't posted my "about me" info, but I will. This is a great idea.