Introduction... "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

Hi everyone!

My name is Katy. I've just joined the forum here. I've joined the site for two reasons: for my husband who is already in the process for surgery, and for myself. My doctor just added me to the registry yesterday. My journey is also beginning.

A bit of background on what brought me to this point today...

I was never really overweight as a child. In fact, I was rather petite. I only started gaining weight as a teen. I grew up in a poor household and definitely lacked proper nutrition. I remember times when bread with mustard being all I could find to eat. Poor eating habits started then. I would definitely overeat whenever I did have a proper meal. My mom sometimes came home from work at midnight and ordered a pizza. Yeah, not good...The weight gain continued into my twenties with seriously bad eating habits. Looking back, I realize that I saw myself as bigger than I really was. I look at pictures of myself from that time and I wonder what the hell I was thinking. I definitely had depression that wasn't being managed at the time and low (non-existent) self esteem.

My first attempt at weight loss was with LA Weight Loss. I was successful on the plan. I had lost maybe 30 pounds in a few months. Then the centre closed and I eventually just stopped working on the plan entirely. A few years later, I considered surgery and had a discussion with my doctor about it. He referred me to Wharton Medical Clinic in Burlington. I lost 60 pounds with them! I felt fantastic. I was eating well and I was even starting to get active. I rode my bike everywhere and I loved it. I felt great. Then I moved to Brampton. I couldn't continue with my Wharton appointments. I had a really difficult time at work (stress, bad boss) and slowly started to regain the weight I had lost.

And now I'm here. My work situation has been sorted out and my depression is managed. I know that I can stick to a plan. I feel that, at this point, surgery may be the best option for me. I was born with heart defects and I may one day have a pacemaker. I feel like this is the time for me to get healthy before I needlessly complicate my health any further. I know it will be a long journey but I have already taken my first step.

Welcome Maybekaty!

I've had very similar experiences regarding weight loss and i thought long and hard about the surgery.  So far it's been a great experience-learning and unravelling lots about myself and food.  this forum is a great support and a great place to share...

Welcome and good luck!

I started six months before surgery with giving up anything made with flour or sugar, rice, potatoes, corn, ice cream, cereals, pasta, noodles, or sweets.

I ate dense protein, non-starchy veggies, drank lots of water and exercised daily.  After the first few days without carbs, I did not miss them. I also gave up caffeine.

After surgery it was so easy.  I did not have to withdraw from any foods.  I was never hungry and could only eat small amounts when I did eat.  I had RNY so what I did eat did not get completely absorbed.  Don't wait to get started.  Feeling healthy is wonderful.