Hi everyone. My name is Betsy and I'm 3 weeks post op from my sleeve. Pre op my weight was 294 and I am now 263.2. I'm also new to this site, but can say I've accessed many of the forums to get some quick answers to some important questions. For me, the physical recovery was a snap; it has been the emotional/mental recovery that has been the most difficult. I worked with my surgeon for over 6 months prior to my surgery and was bracing myself for the changes my brain would have to endure. Well....I don't think anything prepares us for the after portion of this journey! It scares me to think that I put things into my body prior to surgery that caused me to have physical and mental symptoms of withdrawal! It also scares me that food was my only coping mechanism when times were happy, sad, difficult, easy, etc. I thought so little of myself that I didn't see the value in taking care of myself or surrounding myself with those who also recognized my true worth. Every day is a struggle and every day is a triumph as I get closer to my goal. I've been the fat child, fat girl, fat woman for so long......how will I identify myself when weight isn't the only way I define myself anymore? I am 28, newly single, and on the verge of changing my life. What an exciting/liberating/terrifying thing, huh?!