SParkle

Hang in there - I know it must be easy to give this advice when its not me in that position, but try and think of it as a long term thing - we didn't all gain the weight overnight, and we can't loose it that way either. I realise the weight losses are large, but everyone is different.... you'll get your loss sooner or later.....but in the meantime try not to get upset over it. And as Goodlife says - you're 17lbs down... which is something to celebrate!! Big hugs Kathy

I think its great news the way she took it....she is obviously naturally concerned for you, but understands that this is the way you've chosen to go forward and will support you through it. Its one less worry for you.... having her support, so I wish you good luck in your search for a surgeon. Let us know how you get on - I'm sure the others who have been there will help you out in your choice. Kathy

Christie - can I ask which particular book you had? I've done a search and there are so many with more or less the same title.... I'd be interested to get hold of a copy. Kathy

Sam - I spent 2 years single, taking time to get to know me - I'd spent most of my adult life relationship hopping... on a conveyor belt, none of them really 'right'.... that time was great - I did what I wanted, and got to know what I wanted, and what I expected out of my life, and also what I was looking for in a partner. Then, i felt ready.... and this time it has worked.... like never before, so for me that time was invaluable. Sadly I know only too well we only get one life... and its precious. No doubt we have all lost loved ones... but my motto is to live my life to the fullest, and to enjoy it... and the sleeve for me i think will be the icing on the cake - hard work getting it on, and working with it, but fab in the end. Kathy

Hope you feel better soon!

Hi Sam Thanks for your post - a brave one, but I think one which will make a lot of people think as well. I went for hypnotherapy about a year ago now, and they found the root of my food issues were from bullying I suffered at school, and also went on to suffer throughout part of my adult life in jobs. I think that helped me a lot, but I know the sleeve will bring it even more to the front, and I'll have to tackle it and finally sort it out once and for all. I'd like to add that don't give up on finding love - I met my soul mate purely by chance through the internet, 7 years ago, at the age of 36. Now we're married and living a wonderful life.... but I never thought I would find him. Love can turn up in the strangest of places, when you least expect it, so I wish you luck in your future. Kathy

HI Maddie I think a lot of people go thru the dilemma of why can't I do this on my own without the surgery, but then if we could, we wouldn't be overweight.... I have overcome the balance in my head on that one, knowing that in reality I will never have the willpower to reach my goal weight, and it'll take this surgery to do it for me. I don't doubt I'll have hard times along the way, but then any normal diet would produce hardships too, so I'll face them as and when - but the knowledge that everyone here is chasing more or less the same ghosts is inspiring and supporting for me. Good luck Kathy

Glad to hear it went well and you're up on your feet. Sip sip and keep on sipping!! lol Kathy

Hi Zephra I can echo your thought on the support here.... its awesome! I'm looking forward to - getting into some leather jeans i bought for the motorbike, that I couldn't get up much past my knees!! - Not having to move the car seat belt from choking me! - Not having the chafing thighs in the heat of the summer - Being able to fit into any calf size knee high boots! - Being able to walk into any clothes store and buy something that fits. - Being a lot healthier than I am now Good luck ! Kathy

Hi and congrats on your date - the day before me! I go for my pre op on 21st May, so not long now....

Zephra - I'm still waiting to hear my fate on the pre op diet..... I go for pre op tests on 21st May, so will meet with the dietician then, trying to get the diet out of her now but think she wants to chat more first. The pre ops vary so much I'd rather know what I'm in for!! Lessofme2010 - you're the day before me... and yeah.. good luck to us all!

Thanks for letting us know it went ok. We look forward to seeing less of him next time! lol

HI Jenni You'll find loads of hints and tips on here from all the sleevers. I'm being done on the 10th June, and have started to eat cleaner, having been on Weightwatchers since November. I've cleared out my cupboards and have started to prep for post op with some Soups already... keeps me occupied. I've also cleared out my big clothes to friends and charity, and am trying to get as fit as I can for the surgery. Good luck with yours - let us know how you get on. Kathy

Lol......Good luck for your op. Kathy

Hi Megan One word... Wow!! 67lbs in 4 months sounds fabulous - you must be so pleased!! I've been tempted with a rebounder but hubby sees it as yet another fitness thing to store somewhere.... might just have to push on that one tho!! Is it REALLY good??! Keep us informed how you get on. Kathy

How exciting - congratulations!! At least you don't have long to wait now and can get right in there with your liquid bit!! Keep us informed Kathy

Thanks - I realise I'll prob loose it, but anything I can do to help prevent it, or as you say Tiff, to try and aid regrowth will be better. Stcyt - I'll have to have a look out for the chewable ones....I think I am going to have to order them from the UK online anyway, as can't seem to find them here in Spain. Kathy

Hi Melissa I'm caught on a double edge here with this, as my date is 10th June, but have a family wedding at the end of May in the UK, and a dress I need to slim into! So while my heart is telling me to eat, my head is telling me the more i eat the less i will get that zip up!! I don't see how I am gonna shift 4inches from my boobs in that time, but I thought I would try as the dress is gorgeous!! Good luck!! Kathy

I had a breast lift 4 yrs ago now, and was worried that they would reduce in size too much ( I love my boobs!!).... but they didn't. In fact they look bigger now!! The scarring look extreme to begin, but certainly around the nipple and down have faded so much, I kept them out the sun and should occasion arise when I can go topless I ue a sunblock, but I am proud to get them out! Theres no way I would have every done that before.

8lbs is good.....Congrats... and although she said you may be following the rules too much, well surely they are there for a reason right? I know I'm gonna go all out to stick to them, as I want min. hairloss (can't afford to loose it as I'm fairly thin at the front already!).... So stick with it, and good luck Kathy

Tiffs right - you're nearly half way to your goal.... so think on the bright side! I know I would struggle to shift 20lbs in 5wks on my own, so I'm prepared to loose it a bit slower - it has to be a bit better on your body as well, less shock to your body than it dropping off quickly. Kathy

You may have already done this, but its worth making a list of anything you're unsure of and want to clarify.... I found loads of things I wanted to know and asked him, no matter how silly it sounded. This thread has lots of ideas in which may be of help too. Kathy

Great news - and you don't have long to wait either now!! I'm sure if you have questions those who are on the other side will help out. I know I using the posts to find out as much as possible and preparing myself - theres quite a few which help out with tips of things to take with you, and prep you can do at home. Amongst other things I for one am: Clearing out all 'bad' foods from the house Making some Soups for the full liquids stage of the post op Making sure hubby has easy cook food in place Going to do a full house clean before the op, so I don't have to worry afterwards for a while Have cleared out all my larger clothes which are too big... I won't need them again Find a good book to pack for the hospital Am trying to get into the small mouthful thing now.... and trying not to drink with meals. Hope this helps and good luck for the 12th Kathy

Good luck for next week! Sounds like you have a fab bloke there - after all the years of dieting I think one of the hardest for me is seeing other people eat in front of me....so I can applaud his not eating in front of you, and the comments like 'Go on, one won't hurt'...... I think I shall hole myself up when I get to do my pre op diet!! Kathy

What a fab letter! It came across to me that you had done all your research, realised your problems, and your possible future issues and stated them in a clear and matter of fact way. I wish you all the luck for this.. .let us know how you get on. Kathy