Seanamw

I agree with both posts! Plus, remember, this is a new life for you, a life where food isn't for entertainment but for fuel. So give yourself some healthy fuel, then go out and "eat in" all the beautiful surroundings and exhaust yourself walking and exploring the places you stop! Have a blast!

This is just my opinion........I am a firm believer that marriage is a partnership, regardless of how clueless either partner can be at times. Leaving your husband out of an important health decision like this just because he doesn't understand the reason behind it may damage your relationship in a way that can't be fixed. If I were in your shoes (which I am not, again, this is just an opinion)I would sit him down some time soon and let him know what's going on, let him know that this is a decision you have made to better yourself and that you truly need his support and love. Hopefully, through standing by you, he will grow to understand and be compassionate of your struggle. If he doesn't, at least you have been honest and forthright with him. Good luck to you! This truly is a life changing event!

I loved reading this post! Thank you! My walking buddy blew me off this morning so I had my entire walk to talk to God. I thanked him for helping me find my path and vowed to devote more time to Him now that I have the energy and zest given to me with losing weight! Keep up the great work! God bless!!!

I got on the scale this morning.....119.5! I have lingered in the 220's for almost 5 years now, so I thought a special goodbye was in order......... Goodbye cruel 220's. You started as a burst to 222 one day 5 years ago, when I discovered the Picato Burrito at my favorite Tex Mex place. I tried to beat you back down to the teens, but you would have nothing of it. Instead, you let me hover from 225-228 for years. I joined a gym, you laughed, I started Weight Watchers, you showed me the new pizza place around the corner. You actually let me sneak to 118 once when I was on Jenny Craig, but 2 weeks later you lured me back in. Your grip only loosened last year when you allowed me to venture into the 230's...you guys must be friends. It's been a long, bumpy (and lumpy) ride 220's, but good riddance. I am stronger than you now. I will never see you or the bad habits and bad choices I need to be in you again! Now on to the battle of the teens! Thank you my glorious God for the strength you have given me!!!

Thank you Sandradee! I'm cheering along for you, too!

Yeah! Got through the first week with only pain in my left side, so intense when I moved that I had to stop my daily walks. I thought it was from the port, but found out it's a stubborn gas bubble! Back to walking for me...only way to get those nasty bubbles out! I caught myself today reverting back to an old habit. I made 2 packages of sugar free jello in a big bowl and sat down to have some. I was watching TV and didn't realize how much I ate until I was way past the normal serving size. I was very careless. Now had this been anything else, I could have gotten sick. So, note to self - portion out what I am going to eat and no eating in front of the TV. It's so easy to fall into the mindless grazing for me, so I must be very diligent. On a good note, I am down 20lbs from the start of the pre-op diet (7/13), my clothes are lose and even my face is getting smaller! Now that I can do protien shakes, my energy level is much higher and I am getting a lot more done!

Congratulation on your decision! You sound ready! And you're not being "selfish" (too many negative connotations in that word). you are putting yourself first for your health. I love how you are already thinking of your unborn children! Yes, you will need lots and lots of energy to keep up with them! Thinking positive will be huge for you in this life change. Good luck to you and please keep us posted!

You are truly an inspiration for us all! And a wonderful role model because you are doing it right! Keep it up & keep posting...looking forward to you celebrating "NO more 30's!"

Awesome post!! Keep up the great work!

Prayers from me as well. You sound like you are a very strong woman, and a very determined one. I am glad that you are doing this for yourself! Stay strong and please keep up posted!!!

Congratulations on your decision! Good luck and keep us posted!

I stared and stared at this picture, trying to see where the real me went all those pounds ago. I don't even recognize my own face, and to think, my family & friends have seen me like this for so long. New friends think this is who I am. I have avoided being in any picture for years, I sucked it up for this one, knowing this was the last time I would look this big. The only thing I love about this picture is my beautiful daughter. I have always told her how healthy she looks and how being active keeps you healthy, I never imposed the issues I have with food and self image on her (or my son..he's just as gorgeous). Thank you God, they listen to me and didn't follow me! Posting this picture is another step for me in being honest with myself. Facing my body head on will give me the strength to keep going and the ambition to get fit & healthy like my children! Thank you God, again, for courage.

I, too, have a mother who has influenced my eating habits throughout my life. One thing I can stress to you is that you are doing this for YOU, not your mom, not your crazy relatives...just you! Be strong and confident in your choice! If you need support, post to your blog and you know we will all lift you up & help keep you going!!!! Your daughter will see your strength and healthy new attitude towards food...I bet she will never feel about you as you feel about your mom best of luck & keep going!!!

I got on the scale today and I am down 18lbs from July 13th - surgery was on the 28th. I have been looking at my broth and juice as fuel and nourishment, but I can tell my body is ready for something a little more substantial. I will view these next few broth & juice days as a cleansing and preparation time needed to prepare myself for the next phase. I do feel hungry, but I know it won't last. Plus, I have not been hungry in years, this isn't going to kill me...just might make me stronger! Project for the week: I am going to start looking for a hobby! Something that I can enjoy and grow with!

What an inspiration! I have read so many blogs where people are frustrated with not losing and trying to take short cuts, and exercise isn't even mentioned in their daily routine. You certainly have found the key to success! I am 6 days out of surgery and I cannot wait until my doctor gives me the OK to go to the gym! Keep up the good work!

I had an epiphany a few days ago...My typical Friday night consisted of the family & friends going to our local Tex Max place for dinner. I would gorge myself on chips & salsa and one of those HUGE margaritas while we looked at the menu. I would order a full dinner, finish it along with maybe a small margarita if I wasn't driving. I would leave feeling stuffed, not sleep well and wake up feeling bloated and gross the next day. This past Friday I had a cup of broth, stopped when I started to feel full. I went to bed at a decent hour, slept well and woke up and went for a walk. I am being honest with myself so I had to ask myself "OK, do you feel like you're missing out, how do you feel about this". I can honestly say that I still feel like I have made the right and best choice for myself. I am working on finding other things that make me happy that don't involve food or alcohol. "Been there, done that, doesn't work for me", is what I will keep telling myself when faced with challenges as they come.....which I know they will! I am still in the infant stage of this whole journey, so the words and actions are a lot easier to come up with. I will continue to pray to God for strength and love every single day!

Congratulations! You are doing great!!!! I just got banded and love seeing these inspirational blogs! You have a wonderful attitude about your health and such a positive outlook! Keep it up!

The best of luck to you! I am 5 days out of surgery and feel fantastic! The walking advice couldn't be better....helps with the gas bubbles Keep us posted on your progress!

I really should have started this earlier, but guess I wasn't ready to get real and honest. Not sure if I'm ready now...but here goes! July 13th was the first day of my pre-op diet. I said a proper goodbye to all my favorites the week before, including a big bottle of vodka...ok...maybe 2 (being honest here). I said a prayer that morning asking for strength, and BOY did someone ever hear me! I embraced my new way of eating and not drinking right then & there. Thanks be to God, without his love I would not be where I am! The 2 weeks before surgery flew by and I stayed on track almost 100%. Even when we went to Dallas for 3 days. I did splurge on sugar free yogurt and a few Adkins snacks, but I always was mindful of my carb limit....I was scared that I had blown my liver up so much that the doctor would not be able to find my stomach! So I kept those carbs low!!! So here I am, day 3 after surgery. I am up earlier than I have been in years - voluntarily - and I just enjoyed a beautiful sunrise with my dog & a cup of tea. I am so thankful for this life change, and I pray that I stay on track. I have told God that I am not just changing my body, but my life. OK, time to try and put something else on besides jammies and get outside and walk before it gets too hot!

Follow the pre-op diet and start your exercising now. Get your body as strong and healthy as you can, it will make recovery that much easier. And good tip on the gas-x & walking, it really does help (I am day 3 post surgery). Best of luck!!!!!!!

Oh my goodness, have I been there! First, none of the feelings your have are "dumb"! God gave you those feelings for a reason. Explore your feelings as much as you can! I considered "what if it doesn't work for me" and replaced that thought with "it will work for me". I also replaced the "what if's" of surgery with "what if I keep living like this". I am day 3 after surgery and 19 after I started my life change, and maybe it's because it's still so new, but I am LOVING my new life! I feel wonderful (though a little sore), like I have been given a second chance to be healthy! I don't want to get wordy or preachy, just know that you are not alone. You can contact me on here, or check out my blog if you want to follow my journey. This is your decision, do it for you and nobody else. And kiss your husband for being so supportive!

Thank you SOOOOO much for your post! I have been reading lots of scary slippage & erosion stories, so yours was one to bring me back up! My surgery is 7/28 and I am in the Adkin's pre-surgery phase. It's 9:30pm, I am bored & thought I would make myself a salad (it is ok on Adkins, right?). I read your post and the whole "head hunger" really hit me where I needed it to. I instead stopped, remembered why I am here and where I want to go, and poured myself a glass of Water instead. Thank you for your inspiration and reminder that the band is just a tool, the mental stuff is up to me!