Hi everyone! Wow- it has been a LONG TIME since I've logged on to this site and I have to say, it's exciting to read about all the "newbies" out there waiting to have their surgeries again. I guess once you've adjusted to your new life, you forget that there are still people out there who need your input and advice. This site was such a wealth of information when I was waiting for my surgery. I learned so much from the veterans who came before me and now, 2 years later, I am one of them.. Down 90 lbs and loving my new life. I could not be happier! I was 2 years out from my surgery in April and it feels like so long ago that I was like all of you hoping to get answers about what it was REALLY going to be like when it was all said and done. Well- I'm here to tell you- it is BY FAR the most wonderful gift I have EVER given myself. All of the hard work and mental struggles I had to overcome in this process were well worth it and I would do it over a million times! I now feel like I look on the outside the way I always felt on the inside. I have confidence and am not afraid to live my life. I no longer avoid social situations or activities because of my weight. I exercise 4 days a week and I feel strong and healthy and I love it. AND ( the most important thing everyone wants to know) I EAT EVERYTHING IN MODERATION. I eat like a normal, THIN person eats. Yes- you heard me correctly. I eat pasta and rice.. I eat sweets when I want them... I eat everything I want to eat. But, the sleeve has allowed me (and forced me) to keep my portions under control and that is the blessing of this whole procedure. I really could go on and on about how great this has all been for me, but in time you will all see what a life saver this procedure really is. If I had one piece of advice for any of you waiting for your surgeries it would be - commit to the program, get in to the right frame of mind and follow the rules! If you do that, you cannot fail. After your surgeries, get out there and walk... do whatever you can do to be active because those first 6 months are the golden period of weight loss. Take every advantage of it because a year after surgery you will have to work much harder to get it off. Also- find an activity that you like and will stick with. You may have to try several things like I did or switch it up every few months to keep yourself from getting bored. BUT- you will need to stay active because you will be able to eat a decent amount again and activity is the key (and will always be the key) to keeping it off. You don't have to be a marathon runner- just be active in whatever way fits in to your life. Plus- you will feel like a rock star once you start feeling healthy and fit! And finally- always stay positive. This is learning experience and it's mentally challenging at times to re-learn how to eat in smaller quantities. But give yourself the time to feel the feelings and re-learn after surgery- and you will adjust. Trust me- I would drink liquids for another month without question knowing what I know now. Remember WHY you are doing this and stay the course. You won't regret it!