WOOO HOOO!!

 THank you all!  Im serious...i never could have done it without you all here.  Some of you didnt even know you were helping.  I would read the forums or profiles or look at before and afters and the cravings to comfort with food would diminish or go away.  I was inspired encouraged and kicked in the butt at different times and im grateful for all of it.

If you are new and a "heavy weight" like i was, I wish you could meet my doc and his team.  Seriously the best people you could have on your side.  For a lifetime not just a surgery.  But if you arent from iowa, here is what i would like you to know:

1.  DREAM BIG.  Think of all the things you want to do, not how you will look.  I can swim, bike, jump on a trampoline, go up and down stairs, go shopping without trying to pass out from panting, not worry about whether a chair will support my weight or if i will break it and be embarrassed, sit on a bleacher or at a picnic table, hold babies...ON MY LAP!! lol, play ball with the kids, teach my kids how to shoot a most excellent jump shot (yeah, i still got it. lol) fit on an airplane seat (havent tried this out yet) and go on an amusement ride (again..about to check this out.)  What's YOUR dream?  those were some of mine.  Think they are small?  Just wait till your baby gives you a hug and says...look mom!  my arms go all the way around!  that was purdy dern big for me.

2. GET SUPPORT.  My doc and his team do montly support groups for wls.  I also chose to go to an addictions counselor because obesity wasnt just physical for me.  It was in my brain and i needed to treat that part almost more than the physical!!  but thats me.  not saying thats you.  Get the support you need.  

3. AVOID NEGATIVE.  Tell that voice in your head to STFU and mean it.  drop negative people.  if your family does it, change it in your head.  my family was famous for...you would look so pretty if only you would lose more weight.  or ...well your losing but you have a long way to go.  or well if you stopped now, at least your not AS heavy.  lol.  they meant well and i know they love me so i changed the message and chose to just hear...I LOVE YOU.  

4. FOLLOW ORDERS.  Protein first always.  Drink lots of water.  MOVE!  even if the scale doesnt budge for a while do not give up.  Keep pushing forward.  Keep track of victories that have nothing to do with the scale.  Like how your clothes fit or how much further you can walk now or no seat belt extension....whatever makes you go YES!  write em down and use them for inspiration when you feel less than pleased with the scale.  

and go for it!  I was told that you lose for 18months with the surgery.  I am almost two years out and i am still losing.  I just keep doing what my doc recommends.  I still do the things we tell newbies...like small bites.  chew it.  slow down.  put utensil down between bites.  no grazing.  drink drink drink.  move.  I never stopped doing all that.  Fear is false evidence appearing real.  this is not like all those other times when you would honestly try your hardest and not get anywhere and give up.  This is a tool, in cooperation with other tools!, to get you healthy.  I will never be a size 5.  but i rock a size 10 baby!  lol.  Make health your goal and those sizes just dont matter as much.  Believe in yourself.  You can do this.  

 That is so awesome!  Congratulations!!!