The count down . . .

[KNEWDAY4ME]

Well, its finally here! It seems like it has taken forever all of the prep work, classes, nutrition appointments, and just finishing the pre - op diet. I started this journey at 396 pounds, the most I ever weighed, This evening I checked in at 349 . . . it has been so long, I forgot they made such a number!

Tomorrow morning I check in at 7:15 for a 9:15 surgery . I have never had surgery before so this will be a new experience. I've had my panic attacks of thinking there are some foods I may never be able to eat again and the nightmares of having my surgery canceled because I forgot to stop eating two days prior to surgery, and then there is the feelings of guilt. for not telling my parents. When I mentioned it to my mother that I was thinking about it, she told me what a waste of money it was and if I wanted to die, go ahead and have the surgery. That came after the lecture of how I would fail.

But regardless, I'm psyched and ready to discover the new me ! !

Boy, I did not intend to go on and on . . .

Good night,
Kim

[Ann2]

Kim, sweet dreams and very best wishes for a great surgery and an easy recovery.

You will not fail.

You are going to be surprised at how rapidly you will feel better. A month from now you'll have lost weight, find you have a greatly reduced appetite, and hope realistically for the first time in many, many years that you can live a healthy, normal life.

Of course, the first month is challenging -- you have to recover from major surgery, which mostly just takes patience. You'll have to learn to sip, sip, sip liquids (a few months after surgery, you'll be drinking again like a regular person). At first, you'll not be able to eat real food (as your much smaller, swollen, very sore stomach starts to heal), then you'll be thrilled to be able to eat things like one scrambled egg, refried beans and melted cheese -- things you'd never yearned for before.

And gradually, you'll learn how to eat again -- real food, small amounts, more slowly. You'll learn new behaviors (chewing well, eating slower, choosing foods high in protein, drinking lots of water, and a lot more) that will become lifelong behaviors. After that, you'll start to enjoy food again -- not the same crap you used to eat, but healthier choices that nourish your body.

And a year from now you will be staggered at how great you feel, how different and much better you look, how your aches and pains have disappeared and at how fast this first year has gone. At that point, you'll have fallen in love with food again, but for all the right reasons.

You can reach your goal--all your goals. You only have to do every day what you're supposed to do that day. Whether you're supposed to eat 60 grams of protein--or more. Or eat 500 calories--or 1,500. Or sip, sip, sip 3 cups of water--or drink 8 or 10 cups. Or walk 1,000 steps--or 10,000 steps. Do it. Take back your life. Find and include in your life people who support you. Exclude those who don't. Be accountable to yourself, not to others.

Add some resources you need along the way, including exercise, counseling or therapy (if it would help you), learning how to choose and cook nutritious food, adding new activities that you enjoy and feed your spirit as well as your body.

This surgery is a miracle. It's a chance to live again. You can do this. You can succeed.

[cathbas]

Listen to Ann, she knows...I am sorry that your parents are not supportive..there were many I chose not to tell..
But in the end, it is me that had to be sure...and although i went thru the panic and freakout..
it really isnt as bad as all of that..
the surgery is safe for most people..i have not really met anyone who had problems, tho there are some on the board that have..
but if you are positive..and really read up on everything..your doctor, your team..all of them want you to be a success!! be encouraged..like Ann said, the first month can be a bit challenging..but time flies and so will your weight!! and you will be happy you did it!!

[cathbas]

ps...did your mom want you to die being so overweight..please!! you will do great!!

[Elaine PJ]

Good luck, just take it a day at a time and give your parents a little time to adjust. I hope the surgery goes well. Elaine x

[PITSTOP]

I wish you a uneventful surgery and a speedy recovery!

[peteyrulz]

Best wishes for a quick recovery Kim! You are on the road!

After several phone calls from my stepmom, I've had to block
her! I know she means well, but she is being narrow minded about
this. Last night she told my husband, "YOU CAN'T LET HER DO THIS!"
My surgery is in 2 days; I've come too far to listen to negativity!

I am nervous, excited, & anxious. I want to prove to her
that I made the right decision for MY health.

Soooo, GOOD LUCK KIM!!! Keep us posted.

���� Down with Naysayers!

[Ann2]

Since y'all can't bitch-slap yo mamas and step mamas, I'd like to volunteer to go do it.

Just send me their home addresses.

I'll be right over.

[KNEWDAY4ME]

Thank you Ann for those kind and encouraging words. I know that God created foods as nourishment for our bodies so we could do his work; not to have a love fest with it. Somewhere along the line, I lost my way and I befriended food and used it, instead of it using me. Sorry, I did not mean to preach.

Well, the surgery is over, pain fluctuates between a 3 and 6 ;'very tolerable. Am feeling great and the staff at the hospital is wonderful.

Once again, thank you for your words of wisdom . . . They really helped

Kim

[KNEWDAY4ME]

You guys are great! Thanks for your supportive words (And the offer to bitch slap the na

[MaggieMay2015]

You will not fail!
You have already won by making a decision and not faltering under the pressure of a mother who does not support you!
Best wishes, do this for you and your own happiness!!!