mandyfsc

Hey Anul- I didn't have an emotional outburst in public but I had one all on my own when I realized what an awesome decision I had made. I know this is right for me and I couldn't be more excited. I'm 28 and have been heavy my whole life. I feel like I haven't really had a chance to live yet. There are so many things that I haven't doesn't because of my insecurities about my weight.

Hey Marilyn, Here's the diet I will be following: protein shake for breakfast and lunch. Lean Cuisine style meal for dinner. Sugar free jello or sugar free popsicles for a snack. Unlimited raw veggies. No dressing. My surgery is set for January 15th so I'll start this diet 2 weeks before. It's pretty rough but I'm hoping it will shrink my belly and get me more comfortable with the liquid diet. Good luck!

I love this thread! It's so fun getting to know everyone. I read all the "stats" and can't believe how much in common we all have. I can relate to just about all of the "deciding factors." So since we are all having our surgery in January, when are you starting your pre-op diet? I admit I am a bit of a party girl and purposely chose my surgery date for January 15th because my Dr told me I needed to do a 2 week pre-op diet- NO ALCOHOL. And since I want to enjoy the holidays, I set my date for January 15th. That said... what pre-op diet instructions has your Dr given all of you? Here's the diet I will be following: Protein shake for Breakfast and lunch. Lean Cuisine style meal for dinner. sugar free Jello or sugar free popsicles for a snack. Unlimited raw veggies. No dressing. During these 2 weeks (of hell) I also want to start my exercising. My Dr requires I lose 5% body weight prior to surgery. Plus it will get me off my @ss and start to eat right. I want to start following the "Couch to 5K" program. Anyone heard of it? Wanna do it with me?? We can motivate each other!!! I'll start January 1st! What better way to start out the New Year?!!?!?!

To think of it, I don't think I've taken more than a dozen pictures- voluntarily- in over a year. At this weight, I don't want a memory. And that's sad. I'm hoping this will give me the confidence and the self esteem that has been missing in my life for years... so I can build memories for the future and begin my life. I'm 28 now and hoping that by my 30th birthday I'll be at my goal weight- or at least more comfortable in my skin!

Hey January 2010 banders- Tell me more: 1.What is your current and goal weight? 2.What is your surgery date? 3.What is your age? 4.Where do you live? 5.Where are you having surgery? 6.Who is your Doctor?? 7.Insurance or self-pay? 8.What was you "deciding factor" for having this surgery? Just wanna see what we all have in common and get to know each other better... I'll start: 1.230/140 2.January 15 3.28 4.Charlotte, NC 5.Tijuana, MX 6.Dr Ariel Ortiz 7.Self Pay 8.I put on an old pair of pajama pants and when I sat Indian style, they ripped. Thank goodness I was home alone!! Now you....

I haven't told anyone about my surgery. And it is set for January 15th. Don't get me wrong- I am SUPER excited! But I am terrified of what my friends and family would say.... " You don't need surgery.", "You are beautiful as you are." "You could do this on your own." I decided to get surgery in Mexico because I would not be approved by my insurance company here. I am about 80lbs overweight and have been overweight my whole life. And it has been a secret struggle. I know my friends and family- they will say, "you can do this on your own!" and be super supportive. But they don't know the struggle I have felt since age 13. So what do I do?? I have chose not to tell anyone. Is that crazy?? I don't question my decision at all! But I think others would. So what do you think??? To tell or not to tell.... that is the question.....

JGF- We have the same surgery date! How cool is that? We MUST keep in touch since we are looking to lose the same amount. Keep me updated on everything! :biggrin:

You guys are so wonderful! Thanks for the input. I think I will keep it hush hush until I actually leave. I'll tell my sister while I am away. Since I'm going to Mexico, I have to have my bases covered for worst case scenario also. But I think if I tell her ahead of time she will try to talk me out of it. But if I tell her while I'm there then it's too late. I mentioned it to her once before and her response was that she feels it is the "easy way out". That was hard to hear. Because of all the research I have done- I am certain it is not the easy way out. And I truly thought she would be my best chance of getting support since she is as overweight as I am. But she didn't really see it my way and I don't want to deal with the judgment with all the stress I'll be under anyway. As I see success I'll consider telling others. All of my friends are super skinny so it's not something that would have ever crossed their minds- so it feels weird trying to discuss it. That's also why I chose January surgery. I want to play up the whole New Years thing. I will begin my pre-op diet New Years and have the surgery on the 15th. So it should be perfect. The majority of my friends are runners and my goal is to become one too. So that is my exercise plan. I want to start the "Couch to 5K" to teach myself to run. Again, thanks for all your input. You are a great support team- even if you are virtual. :thumbup:

I have my surgery date set for January 15th! I figured it was the best way to start the New Year! I feel like I've been planning this for years, it's kinda surreal. I am having surgery with Dr Ortiz in Tijuana, Mexico. I researched and researched and researched and know this is my best option. I'd love to stay in touch with all of you so we can track out progress! Good luck all! :redface: