Need to vent and get some advise

I'm sorry about your sister. Sounds like she's struggling herself. As we all know, or at least should know, the statistics for permanent weight loss with this surgery are way better than any diet. However, they are no where near 100%. This is a great reminder that this surgery is a tool to help us diet and eat right but it is only a tool. We can sabotage it and find ways to mess things up for ourselves. What we do as individuals is up to us. You are not your sister and you have a fantastic opportunity ahead of you. Stick to your post-op plan and you'll be fine. You need to be strong about who you are and who you want to be. We all have many bad influences. It seems to me you are doing what you "should" do by posting here and asking for advice. You know you have the answers but sometimes it's good to get reinforcement. Keep coming to the boards here and try to join a local WLS support group. All these things can be real helpful if you take them to heart and sort out the wheat from the chaff. Caboose t-18

Teri, I am sorry to hear that your sister is doing this to herself. It sounds to me that she needs counseling. The truth being is, she can only influence you as much as you allow her to. If you go into this surgery with the mindset that you KNOW you are going to do well and you truely work at it, then you will. About the loose skin, I think that depends on how much your skin is already stretched, how much you work out, etc... No doubt, in my case, no matter how much I work out, I will still have some loose skin. I can decrease it however by exercise. I hope this helps some. When you eat after surgery, your bestbet would to not eat with her. You do not want to get tempted. That is not saying you can not have your occasional candy bar later on. That is not a problem..just do not make it a habit and wait until your mind set is focused on healthy food. Who knows...you may not even WANT it later. Bethany AKA Da Offishal Riddler and Bertha 11 Days into NewPouch and feeling great! -25 lbs!!!! Yayyyy A riddle a day will keep the Marchers pounds AWAY!