I started with a BMI of over 90. I was going for gall bladder removal surgery and the night before I was scheduled, I discovered that my health plan (for some unknown mystical, magical reason) began covering WLS. I didn't question it. I called the surgeon (who happens to specialize in bariatric surgery) and we did the happy dance together. This was July 13, 2017. I immediately started the prep work and managed to get through all the tests by Aug 13, 2017. I was approved for surgery on 9/12 by my insurance company.

My final appt is with the surgeon on 9/19 and surgery is tentatively scheduled for 9/22.

Now, I have always been the person who hated and refused to do artificial sweeteners and "diet" food. (No mystery as to how I got to over 500+ pounds, eh?) But, when the surgery became a possibility, I found something deep down inside that allowed me to begin the phase II diet immediately. I have lost over 62 pounds in 2 months. I average 600-800 calories a day with less than 45 carbs. Chicken, lean fish, and turkey and vegetables ONLY (with protein shakes). No grains, no fruit, no dairy, no shellfish, no beef/pork/lamb, no starchy vegs (including peas) and no added fats. Of course, it helped when my surgeon told me that if I went into surgery with a fatty liver that it could crack in half when she lifted it. Scared the bejesus out of me!

But, please do not think that this has been a cakewalk. Some days I could have killed for a pork chop. The protein shakes were unbearable (sicky sweet and literally made me nauseous!****il I discovered UNFLAVORED Isopure and combined it with no calorie drink enhancers (like the ones you get at Walmart - only 10 calories) or tomato juice or chicken broth. It made the drinks tolerable.

The worst part was/is the "head hunger". But I want this... I want this surgery soooo bad. IMHO you have to want this just like wanting to quit smoking. (I did that 15 years ago****il I really wanted to quit, there was no way I was going to be successful. At least that is the way it works for me.

Thank goodness for cloud bread, turkey sausage and eggbeaters. Cod and nutritional yeast. Carbquik. Perky jerky. And Skinny Pasta/Rice, etc. And spices. Spice it up, roasted vegetables with olive oil spray and garlic.

I'm already getting saggy. But I'm ok with it. I will take every wrinkle, every sag and be joyful that I will someday walk under my own power again (I'm currently in a motorized chair). I want to ride a horse again and only take up one seat on an airplane. Fitting through standard doorways would also be a blessing. Not having to use an "extension" tool in the bathroom is another goal I look forward to. This is what I think about when the urge to eat that pork chop hits.

In summary, think about the things you can't do and imagine yourself being able to do them again. What do you want more? The pork chop or the things on your list...?

Never too late. Don't be a stranger :)

3 years 2 months out from surgery.

I was on the cusp of my 'oh crap' zone this AM. have been hanging there for like 2 weeks... Scale can't you give me .2lbs down?

Highest 420+

Surgeon's consult: 383

Last week 172

Today: 170

Maintenance: +/- 165.

Thank you!!! Good luck!!

Thanks. I have been looking on YOUTUBE ... probably not a good idea .. and many people there are saying they had complications... and they have like over 50 BMI... that's why I asked.