You've heard it all before...

[NotSoLittleMermaid 14]

Here are my thoughts on surgery.. I just posted this in response to someone who is struggling after surgery..maybe you'll find it helpful?

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Yes, we are all pulling for you! You are going to be so happy in relatively short amount of time.. and you'll be set to be thinner and healther for life!

I have no doubt that I am going to through depression (probably even in Pre-Op) just because I feel deprived when I can't have what I want. However, my thoughts are going to try to be I just have to get through a about 3-4 weeks, then it will get better and eventually, I'll have what I want:slimmer body, more energy, etc. I can only imagine that is very hard to get your head around the smaller portions. However, I try to remember that everyone always has to stop eating at some point: 2 Cookies or 8 Cookies, or a whole box. I am not a whole box person, but eat a little too much of everything (of course, otherwise I wouldn't be here). Everyone has to decide if they can do a life of salads and 1-2hr workout a day (I can't, my sisters do, and still aren't thin.) or do whatever to have the discpline to loose and keep the weight off. I am choosing surgery because I am so tired of having so many clothes in different sizes, and being envious of skinny people and not wanting to travel or go on trips with people because I am fat.

I have to burn 192,500 calories to equal the 55 pounds I want to loose. Assuming I could "walk it off"-it would take about 1925 trips to the gym. And that is assuming I don't eat an extra cookie or calories to add on that 100 calories burned at the gym. Some may question my math here, but whether you burn 100-400 calories, in this day and age, with all the good, fatting food, it is hard to stay a low calorie diet, and hard to create the deficit long term..at least for me.

Maybe back in the day, when food was scarce, my appetite, low metabolism would be ideal, but this day and age--I feel at a disadvantage. Sure a pill would be nice, but the body always finds a way around it, due to natural instincts. There are always side effects too. To me, this sound like the best way to help. Small portions so you don't starve and moderation with foods you like. Don't get me wrong, it isn't a free ride. There is still work and it won't be easy. But I've got to believe it will get easier!

I am looking forward to the day when I go to the gym to be "healthy" and not doing it to be punished and burn calories as the main focus.

Just think what a powerful tool you have! You'll be able to have the best of both worlds once healed!

You all can remind me my little speech here in a few weeks, because I'll probably be saying "what I have done!" too! But at this point, I am excited and looking forward to a new, thinner life and a more level playing field.

Also, I just got in "Shrink Yourself" by Roger Gould regarding emotional eatting, because I know it will be weird to eat such a small amount. I am not one of those persons who eats out of saddness, etc, but food is always on mind and I know that learning to focus on other things in life would be helpful. I also feel like it is 'unfair' when I can't eat what I want. I am alway thinking about the next meal, so I hope that I can find an easier way focus on other things. My Dr. recommended this book.

So..to wrap up..just try to get past the next few weeks, knowing you'll have a better life, thinner and happier.. maybe focus on the others who have been successful and soon you'll be one of them!

[TwoStepsBack 15]

Wow, it's really spooky that you bumped this up Amy. I have been freaking the .... out today and felt like I am making a mistake. Everything hit me at once, especially the debt.

I am also struggling with feeling weak and dizzy on my pre-op diet, and wondering how on earth I am going to be feeling when eating even less than I am now.

Time of the month and busy time at work probably isn't helping my nerves either.

I am going to re-read your post and take your advice of reading the success stories to try and boost my morale.

Thanks again for the motivation. xxx