feelincheesy

Good idea! I think having something other than just plain water (Crystal Light, Mio, etc) will also help.

Darn it NurseGrace - YOU'RE RIGHT! I need a kick in the butt - I didn't need hand holding - I needed to hear from others - whether it's tips, tricks or simply - get off your couch and move! I think I also need to be a little easier on myself - and set myself up for now and the future. Meaning - load on protein at lunch and keep reminding myself why I'm doing this! If I am not ready - I need to be able to admit that to myself. You make a great point - if I'm not ready - I'm destined to fail. If I am truly ready - I just need to keep my eye on the target. I'm sorry if I came off gruff to you - I do appreciate your advice and the time you took to respond (twice).

Not exactly the support I was looking for NurseGrace. I don't think it's fair for you to assume I'm only committed emotionally. If I could have just "stopped this foolishness" - I would not be here in the first place. I know it's a lifestyle change and am fully committed to it. I went from 2500 calories a day to 1200 - overnight. It's hard and that's all I'm saying. I was HOPING for some support and advice how to get through this and THANK YOU for those who have replied already. I have two boys and a husband - all of who can eat anything. I try and only have healthy Snacks and ones I don't like around but I can't, nor should I keep them from having the occasional cookie if they want it - it's my issue, not theirs. I just need some strength from this community. I appreciate the 'walk to the store' idea. I'll try that for sure! I also brush my teeth when I put the kids to bed. It's the afternoon (between 2 and dinner) that's hard for me but interestingly enough - it used to be between breakfast and lunch that was the hardest. If I can get over this 'hump' in the day - I'll be golden. I need to get a project to help pass that time until I can establish a good habit.

Not exactly the support I was looking for NurseGrace. I don't think it's fair for you to assume I'm only committed emotionally. If I could have just "stopped this foolishness" - I would not be here in the first place. I know it's a lifestyle change and am fully committed to it. I went from 2500 calories a day to 1200 - overnight. It's hard and that's all I'm saying. I was HOPING for some support and advice how to get through this and THANK YOU for those who have replied already. I have two boys and a husband - all of who can eat anything. I try and only have healthy Snacks and ones I don't like around but I can't, nor should I keep them from having the occasional cookie if they want it - it's my issue, not theirs. I just need some strength from this community. I appreciate the 'walk to the store' idea. I'll try that for sure! I also brush my teeth when I put the kids to bed. It's the afternoon (between 2 and dinner) that's hard for me but interestingly enough - it used to be between Breakfast and lunch that was the hardest. If I can get over this 'hump' in the day - I'll be golden. I need to get a project to help pass that time until I can establish a good habit.

I'm in the lose before you schedule phase of my journey. While some days are great (and I'm 7 lbs down in about a month), other days I fall 'off the wagon' and when I do, I fall off, slide down a hill into a puddle of chocolate (or chips, etc). I know the sleeve will help with actual hunger but I have some serious bad habits of what I now call and know as head hunger. How did you all get around your head hunger/bad patterns? Will power is not my strength past the 2-3 week 'honeymoon' period. Any help or advice would be appreciated - I think many of us have been in this same position. Thanks

I'm so glad you mentioned this because I too am scared but reading through all the above stories (and posts, and website and youtube, etc), I think it comes down to being open with yourself and your community. I've never ever heard so many people talk about how much they weigh - good for us for trusting each other. People share everything (I'm SO there with you - totally scary stuff and prayers to all of those folks who have been down that part of the road). You hear the good and the bad - the good WAY out weighs the bad IMO. There are people killed in cross walks everyday but you don't hear about it and it doesn't stop you from crossing the street. That said, I'm with you and glad you posted this. Good luck!

I downloaded "Get Running" yesterday to start to train for a 5k. I am NOT a runner (big boobs, lots of flab, out of shape, etc) but I'll never lose any of that unless I start somewhere right? So I took my coach (my 5 1/2 year old son) and went and did day 1. Man am I sore but it feels good. Tomorrow, day 2 (you train every other day)! This morning I registered for the Color Me Rad race in Sonoma on May 18th. If I stay on the training plan, I should be there but I know I can walk it too. My goal is to be able to run it - wouldn't that be AMAZING?! Looks like so much fun and I'll be close to my 2 years out from having a baby (which my doc requires in order for me to schedule, along with the weight loss).

So my kids love their Cereal, as did I. One is still under 2 and the other is a thin 5 1/2 year old. My husband has not an ounce to lose. Ok, there's the history. We used to buy our milk at costco - 2 gallons of 1% and 2 gallons of whole milk. We'd eat cereal with the 1% and the boys would eat cereal with the whole milk. Well, as I'm on the pre-pre op diet (not liquid), I'm cutting out a ton of crap - including my beloved Breakfast cereal. I was feeling especially weak this week and REALLY wanted a bowl of those alluring Lucky Charms. I WAS going to have a bowl...then I realized I had made a change I didn't even really realize...I only had whole milk in the house. I'm not drinking milk anymore so I stopped buying the 1% and all the guys eat/drink whole milk now. Although the Lucky Charms would have been great - there was NO WAY I was going to eat them with whole milk - I might as well eat a pound of butter - that stuff is so loaded in fat and calories AND I couldn't eat them dry - wouldn't have the same effect. And so, unbeknownst to myself, I set myself up for success. No milk = no cereal! :tongue2:

I went to the store this weekend to buy all my 'outside' aisle things (that's my new goal - to only shop on the outside isles, dairy/eggs, veggies and meat). The cute little devils outside were selling my FAVORITE girl scout cookies. I didn't think it was fair for my husband who has NO struggles with weight to have to pay the price for my dieting ways (he's helping out so much already) so I bought him some Thin Mints and Tagalongs (both which I could do without). It took me a good 10 seconds to win the internal battle to NOT buy some Samoas (mind: "I can eat a couple and the kids can have the rest") but I DIDN'T buy them. I knew going in this would be one of my major pitfalls - I had already allowed myself to splurge on these but when the time came...I resisted! I'm so proud of myself. Next test...MiniEggs!

I told several people I was thinking about doing it. I wanted to hear feedback and support. I was also kinda hoping for somebody to say "What the heck - NO NO NO!". I didn't hear any negative feedback (I have a great and diverse group of friends and family). I thought my sister would be the 'doubter' but she was super supportive. She's been doing a lot of research and asks me questions - which helps us both - I know what I'm getting into and that helps calm her fears. I've challenged her to find something I haven't heard about or researched. I HATE the stigma attached to WLS. It's not a failure or a way to cheat weight loss - it's a tool and a good choice for me. Will I post it to FB? Yes, probably after I get my date. If you're not in support of me, then you're not really my friend anyway. I don't want to lie (or hide the truth) - it's a journey, it's a lot of work and YAY ME! I get why others are keeping it to themselves but that's not for me. Best of luck everybody!

It's funny (not really but ya know) because I was thinking this morning - if I can lose 20 lbs pre-op, why can't I lose 70 lbs and be OK with being a little over 200? My answer (to myself) is I couldn't do it before - I need restriction and a lifestyle change that will NOT allow me to go back to my old ways (sure I could eat through my sleeve but after working so hard - WHY would I?). I'm with Kaiser in Northern California - I met my surgeon yesterday after less than a week after orientation and NUT meeting. We had a great Q&A. I think it IS VERY important to meet your surgeon and get a good feel about him/her. You said it, your life is in his hands. If you feel like you're not getting enough of a comfort level GO WITH THAT FEELING. You've waited a long time and it's a big deal - don't make a rash decision. Good luck!

Hi All, I've read through many of your posts and have found much inspiration from you all. I'm thrilled to be part of such a strong community! I'm new into the process, just started my pre-op (non-liquid) diet to get down to the goal weight the surgeon will give me tomorrow. I'm a little nervous to be honest. It's SUCH a big change and one I'm ready for. I think if I wasn't nervous, I am not being honest with myself - it's a BIG step - no question. I can't help but think, "Oh Cookies, how I'll miss you"...etc but I read a great post saying you're not NEVER going to have them...just not for awhile and maybe when you can again, you won't want to....so I made a condolence card for myself. I googled a bunch of images and made a collage of them (Oreos, Doritos, French Toast, Cookies, Cake, Milkshakes, Panda Express, Mac and cheese and Pizza) and in the inside I wrote, "Sorry you're dead but better you than me!" I love it. I haven't figured out where to put it but it made me feel good to make it. Anyway, thanks for your support and I hope to return the favor to you. Never been so happy to be a loser!