Hi everyone,
Long time since I updated.  Things are going very well.  Im trying to get back to the gym more.  The weight loss has slowed quite a bit, but I feel great and I do not gain, I just lose v-e-r-y slowly.  Truth is that if I stopped losing tomorrow I would be completely content.  I feel great and my body size does not stop me from doing anything.  Clothes fit and I feel 20 years younger.  
According to my plan I would like to lose about 25 more pounds.  that would bring me down to 145.  I think I may consider a tummy tuck and breast lift at Christmas also.  Really depends on prices and whether I can afford it.  
Food is hardly ever an issue for me.  I can pretty much eat anything, so I intentionally stick to three meals a day so I don't overeat.  I get full quickly.  
I have not a single regret in having surgery, but I do know I am lucky not to have complications.
I am expecting my first grandchild in July - It's wonderful to be in great shape and healthy for his arrival.
Take care everyone and thanks for all your support!
Julie

Hi everyone,
It has been a long, long time since I checked in and I feel bad about that given I used to check all the post ops to see what I should expect...so here goes.  Had surgery September 18th.  Everything went as planned.  Was very happy with Dr.Shore - She came to my room everyday I was in the hospital and it was she who discharged me.  She was very attentative and helpful.  The first month is just- yech!  No one can prepare you for wondering why you aren't "full" on liquids and all that crazy panic about "being sure I am the only person in the world this surgery failed on".  And of course the food choices are so limited and learning to eat is ...interesting.  But it passes and I do very well now with most situations.  I have to eat out with my job pretty frequently and have had no problems. 
I started walking right away - 2 miles a day at a slow pace early on.  About a month out I joined Anytime Fitness and I go there at least 4 days a week and I do about an hour on the treadmill at an avg speed of 3.5 mph.  I plan to work with a personal trainer in the next couple of weeks to develop a couple of weight training plans.  
I am about 9 weeks out and 44 pounds lighter.  That's a bit more than 4 pounds a week and I really don't want to do much more than that.  My BMI is down to 35.7 so it all points in the right direction.  I feel better than I have in years and my blood sugars are normal again!  Yehaw!  
A big THANK YOU to all the help and support I got from all of you here who are months and even years ahead of me... You have been great!
Julie

Hi everyone,
I've met with the nurse practitioner, nutritionist and psych.  I did fine and they booked me for all my medical tests (which I had last Monday - what a freaking day!)  Echocardiogram, abdominal ultrasound, chest x-ray, upper GI and more blood and urine tests that I thought there could possibly be.  They said I have a "pretty liver", which I hope is a good thing.  If you have a pretty liver do you get to have surgery quicker? 
I'm supposed to lose 13 pounds before surgery.  That may be tougher then I thought because I am working full-time and taking two online courses that don't end until August 10th.  I signed up for the classes before I knew how quickly this could move along.  No excuses, I can do this thing. 
Anyway, I don't exercise as much as I was, so I am not sure if I have lost.  I am trying to watch what I eat, and I am following the philosophy of protein-veggies-fruit and lots of water.  I've been attending the support groups at Emerson and the ones that have started up in Gardner.  I'm ready for this. 
I meet the surgeon, Rebecca Shore, on Tuesday and a second appt with the nutritionist on Friday.  I'll know this week whether I move ahead on a September 12th date.  Wish me luck!