because

I can't wait to see the real you. WTH, I'm not real now? Only skinny people are real? Whatever, she is not the brightest crayon in the box so, water off a ducks back!

You know, I had a rough start myself. Some up's and many downs. The great thing about life is it does get better. We know better, we do better. What an amazing gift the universe has bestowed upon you! Good luck and enjoy the gift! You deserve it!

Crazy story, my friend and I are scheduled the same day. We have worked together for like 10 years and and are great friends. Well people at work found out and one person actually told my friend at lunch, "I can't Waite to see the real you" followed up with, "you better not cheat and mess up..." What the heck!!! Where does she get off? So far I have been given nothing but support so I'm okay with people knowing, but after hearing what happened today I'm at a loss for words. Some people have poor manners!

I think it is staying with the core principles. 1. Don't drink when you eat (empties sleeve too soon) 2. Limit sugar (the addiction factor is too high) 3. Protein first, veg second, carbs if you have room. 4. Three meals a day, no snacking! I think keeping it simple makes it doable! What is hard is not wanting to eat all the time and I hope removing the hunger hormone will help. Two days on the liquid diet have been good to me so far and just strengthens my resolve! I know I will not be the same person with the same habits and that's the point. If I keep doing what I am doing I'll end up where I have been. I'm ready for new scenery! Forgot a few... 1. Don't feed them after midnight 2. Don't get them wet!

I was in the same boat. I took a loan from my retirement. My thoughts, if I don't take care of this there will not be a retirement. Plus it is a loan so it gets paid back. I just made my first $5,600 payment. The second will be next Tuesday, the day of my surgery. If you want it you will find it! I pray the universe moves aside and presents a way for you too. Plus side of self pay. Three weeks from the first visit and I'm having surgery. ????

Not good.

I went off caffeine almost a week before the liquid diet. Killer headache the first day, then feeling like crap for about a week. Sucks but worth it. Afternoon Naps helped me.

One week away myself. I'm so excited for you and am sure you will be fine! You have wonderful reasons to do this! Best wishes to you!

I also started my protein shakes and broth today. We will totally rock this! I'm just ready for the 9th and am willing to do anything for it, including a liquid diet! Stay strong! The end results will be totally worth it!

Wow, how hurtful! Honestly though, their reaction could be the fear that you will no longer fit into their "fat" club. It could come from insecurities of being left behind so to speak. I know this does not make it easier but I respond to people that I think are judging, that I plan on following the program and rocking my sleeve. Then you can say thanks for caring about me but I really going to do awesome. Then during your weak times just know they will not be soft place to land. I think there are very caring compassionate people I this forum. This is where I will land when or if I fall. I say Rock your sleeve and only focus on you! Good luck, I am one week away and soooo excited!

Thanks, that was neat and thought provoking.

Other side of the coin. I'm a divorced woman who had been contemplating surgery for years. When married my husband he refused to allow me to even think about it. A year and a half after the divorce I'm doing it for me. I think his rejection of the idea came from: if I get healthy she will leave me, if she looses weight she will have a self esteem and not allow me to step all over her, or if I keep her down she won't question me about what I'm doing... There was a major disfunction in our dynamic. While this is not true for everyone, I've noticed most people here are in the "helping" professions. People that gravitate toward these Professions tend to be caring and empathetic. Empathetic people tend to attract Sociopaths and become entangled in their webs of lies and manipulation. (Because they would never think to lie or manipulate, they don't recognize it when it is happening) Eventually this manipulation introduces fears and questions of reality that normal people would not question. "What did your husband say" sounds like something I might have said years ago. Now I don't give a Sh/7 what he thinks! That is just my take on it.

Take a picture. You will need it! Part of the healing process is accepting where you were. Without evidence you might find yourself saying, "I wasn't that bad..." Embrace where you have been so you can rejoice in how far you have come. That's what I'm telling myself anyway. I think I'm going to take the advice of the person above that is writing a future letter to herself. What a great idea!

Another angle, I have thought that my testimony could help someone else in the same boat. Show others that there is a way out of the quagmire of obesity. I have meet to lovely ladies (friends of a friend) who have been open and honest with their journey and they have helped me with my decision to take this step. Seeing success and knowing I could do it too is awesome. Be someone else's hero!

Feb 9th! So excited.

Another reason not to drink while eating is the liquid can empty the sleeve sooner and you will not stay full as long. Same reason they ask you to not get too comfortable in the soft food stage. Yogurts and applesauce will just slide right through your sleeve. You can do it! ????

I might be the odd one out, but I'm telling everybody. I'm too excited to keep it quiet and am proud of the choice I'm making. I figure if they don't agree than they are the ones ill informed. I have done my research and I'm finally taking control of my life and moving in a positive direction. I have found everybody to be very supportive so far and no bad responses. Frankly, I'm tired of being ashamed and refuse to let anyone take away my determination and power by listening to negative talk. At the same time I work in school district that treats it employees and each other like family. I'm lucky that way! For everyone keeping it hush, I respect your decision. Do what feels right for you. If misplaced words and or ignorant comments might shake your faith or make your personal space feel violated, then others don't need to know. Good luck everyone and I hope this forum gives you as much support as I've been feeling.

I was going to take just a week (2/9 surgery date) however, after reading several posts I have decided to take two weeks. Even if I quickly heal, I'm going to need to get used to getting liquids in and lifestyle changes. I teach 8th grade and I'm relying on my fellow science teachers to help me out. Also helps that I have a good capable sub. Don't be afraid to ask for help and to lean on others. Just because you are used to doing it on your own does not mean you have to. ???? good luck! Take care of you.

Feb 9 soooooo ready. ????

I got my date yesterday. Feb 9th. I have a feeling I will always remember that date! Good luck! I am so excited and ready! Let's get it on!!!

Well yesterday I got my surgery date. My best friend is doing this with me and we will get our sleeves on February 9th. Three weeks from today. I am so excited! I think it is going to be great having someone go through this with me. ???? we will be seeing Dr. Hoehn in Shawnee mission., KS. We are both from the MO side of KC.

Hoehn will be my Doctor too! My first consultation is tomorrow. Sooooo excited. So ready for this. Mentally preparing and ready for change. I have many questions for the nut already and have made plans for what I need to consider and do. It is so helpful to read others posts and hear about what to expect. I feel ready. Bring on the liquid diet ...proteins and veggies lets go!!! I'm gonna rock this! Anyone else feel this way before WLS? I see a lot worried or having second thoughts, I just wanna get this started and I'm so excited to reset my metabolism and start my journey!

Just sucked in my breath at that second picture! ????I like that you look so happy In that picture. In the first one it is clear you are doing what we do with our fat bodies. We hide behind anything even the heads of strangers. Hide no more! Congratulations and you should be proud!

Middle school teacher. Science.

I am just starting my journey but I feel I will be here often wanting support. I am really excited to see when I will get my sleeve. Anyone one else her self pay? How long did you have to wait? I'm going to Lenexa.