wendyt

About 6 years ago, a friend of mine starting using one, along with watching her portions, and she lost 60 pounds in less than a year. She used one (she went thru THREE of them!!!) off and on for quite a few years, and has kept the weight off. So I know they're beneficial, but am just trying to get more opinions, especially from sleevers.

Don't avoid the camera, you look great! Keep up the good work!

Hope things are going even better for you now and that you're home and comfy.

Hahaha, and I thought I was counting down obsessively! Congrats!

I try to walk every morning before work for about 15-20 minutes. Weekends I walk in the afternoon. I want to start some strength training, but just don't know where to fit it in. Possibly in the evening after supper. A gym is out of the question...can't afford it.

That's why I haven't told many people

Yes, I am nervous and excited, but so ready to make some positive changes in my life!!!

Welcome Liza. There is a ton of good advise and support on this site everywhere. I can read the threads for hours and come away 100% more knowledgeable!! I'm getting sleeved June 2nd.

So many good lists here, and I have to agree with most of them! One thing I'd like to add, since I've seen no one else mention it, is the awkward/embarrassing way of wiping oneself after going poo (sorry, TMI).....but for the past year, that seems to be bugging me most often I'm also one of those who is reluctant to go anywhere because of my size, and I've only been to church a handful of times in the past 18 months... I really miss my church family, and look forward to spending more time with them. I feel so bad for every one of us here.... Years ago, I never gave much thought to overweight/obese people; now that I've been one for a couple years, I think differently. And I hope that, a year or more down the line after surgery, I remember exactly how I felt at this moment when I look at others around me. God will give me the compassion, understanding, and helping hands I'll need now and in the future!

You look great! Keep up the good work!

I met with the dietitian yesterday and picked up my pre- and post-op food. I'm good to go for June 2nd

I am from the Gaylord area. Have been overweight most of my life, with "slim" times in between, but have been "obese" for about a year or so now. Tired of the yo-yo dieting, ready to make a change; hoping the removal of the hunger hormone will assist me in making the best choices when it comes to food. I have a 32 year old son who has blessed me with 2 wonderful grandchildren (5 and 3), and an almost 17 year old daughter who graduates high school next year. I want to be healthy and fit in order to be around for all of them! They both know that I am having the surgery, as does my husband, but the rest of my family doesn't need to know right now. Tomorrow I go sign all the consent papers and pick up my 2 weeks worth of pre-op food.

You both are doing great! I'm getting my sleeve June 2. I'm from Northern Michigan. Glad to meet some fellow Michiganders!

I think it would be nice to see a person't height in the profile section that shows up any time a person makes a post. It really makes a difference when you are comparing yourself to someone else.

Here's a link to the story: http://www.today.com/moms/wow-daughter-surprises-mom-140-pound-weight-loss-live-today-2D79627524

I go in next Wednesday to sign consent forms and pick up my pre-op food. It's getting closer!!!

I am a photographer, also

I, too, had to do the 6 months supervised diet with my PCP. My last appointment is May 5, and my surgery is scheduled for June 2. I am VERY excited. It seems like these past 6 months have passed very very very slowly

I have a feeling (or is it a "hope"?) that this is the way I'll feel after my surgery.

I have a nice, soft leather jacket I bought many years ago after I had lost 40 pounds; I haven't been able to wear it in many years, but this weekend I plan on taking a photo with it on, then I'm going to hang it in the open and make it be a goal to be able to wear it by next spring. Who knows, I may even be able to wear it BEFORE then!! I also have some nice size 12 jeans that I'm hoping I might wear by Christmas. We all need to have goals, and motivation! Counting down to my surgery in 6 weeks

Is she just "skeptical"? or totally against it? Can you print out some information for her about the surgery, and try to explain to her that you're doing this for a healthier you? Ask her if she'd rather have a healthy daughter or a dead one, which is where you may end up if you don't get the surgery (I'm not sure this is true in your case, but it may very well be, since it is true for most of us that are seeking this surgery). If she still doesn't understand, just ask her if you can still stay there and have her be non-judgmental about it (at least out loud)....or perhaps you have a friend you could stay with? I pray you get the support you need.

I'm sorry your family isn't on board with you. I've only told my husband and kids about my upcoming surgery because I just don't want to hear the naysayers. They'll find out afterwards

That's going to be the hardest rule for me to follow after I have my sleeve

Why would you die with a bypass? Didn't you say you were debating which one to get, they bypass or sleeve? Or am I reading it wrong? Talk to your doc more about the procedure that IS covered; you might find that it will suit your needs just fine.

That kind of thinking is probably what got most of us to our heaviest weights. Take care to eat well in the furure