Lorrie, I don't think it's so much the pain as the feeling of weekness and being able to stand up straight the first few weeks. You will be fine. Its the best thing I have ever done. Have reached below my goal but I still work at it. Had my surger 11-17-2003. Good luck. This is just the beginning.

I was told by my doctor that most patients that are not successful replace a high fat diet with a high fat mushy or liquid diet. Anything that is liquid at room temp **** cream, chocolate, etc...) is going to go straight through. He told me if I'm going to have something like pie or something real creamy to eat a raw carrot first to take up some space so I won't eat too much of it. I asked him if I should be eating certain things and he said to eat what I always have, just less of it. So anyway, if I want to be full fast without eating much I eat Chicken and some vegetables. I walk at least 2 miles at least 5 days a week and I have found that now that I have lost I actually want to walk which never would have happened before. So I guess what I'm trying to say is if you have the tendency to eat too much eat foods that don't break down as easy and sit heavier because if you're like me, you will not take a single bite extra once you get that pressure of having too much or you'll be yacking. Just try to avoid snacking and let yourself have a fun meal every once in a while (I had WAY too much mexican tonight) so you don't feel deprived, but try to eat mostly meats without heavy sauces and vegetables for the most part. Also, before I had surgery I followed a food plan by compulsive eaters anonymous that worked very well. If I had to guess though I'd say you're not getting enough exercise. Good luck, and just remember it's never too late to turn this around. Since my surgery my mother has lost over 40 pounds just by eating less and walking. YOU CAN DO IT and you'll be glad you did. Good luck!! Natalie 281/187/140/125

Hi Allyson, I am a calorie counter. I am a firm believer that weightloss results from that approach and last longer than the no carb or low fat approaches. I usually come in around 1200-1500 calories a day and I am 6 1/2 months out down 90 pounds so far. I try to get protein first, but I do eat carbs. What I think really makes the difference for me is the exercise. I take every opportunity to move around more than I did before surgery. Also I have an extremely positive attitude and I believe that really helps the weight come off. Some people may think its not true, but I believe that stress and negativity kept me eating which lead to me getting so fat. So don't be so hard on yourself. Keep trying...find what works best for you and do that! You will find your way through this!!! Good luck to you and if you would like to talk to me please feel free to email me anytime Big Hugs, Sara 356/266/175

Hi Anastasia, I started at 356, but I am also 4 inches shorter than you are so our starting BMI's are pretty similar. I am 6 1/2 months out and the VBG is the best thing that ever happened to me. I am down 90 pounds so far and I live a very normal life now. I am still obese, but I can see that I will reach my weightloss goals thanks to this surgery and my own determination. I believe this surgery levels the playing field and allows us to eat like normal people without suffering as much as with a diet. Don't get me wrong I do still feel like I have to diet to a certain extent, but its way easier than it used to be. Exercise has become a part of my life as well and I know it has really helped with the weightloss. Good luck on your journey and if you have any specific questions for me please feel free to email me Big Hugs, Sara 356/266/175

Hello all well i just went to the doctors yesterday and he said i am a good candidate for wls i was so shocked i was weighed and i am the highest i have ever been 458 and then told me the only wls he does is vbg so i am looking for info on people who had vbg and was this big or bigger and find out if they lost alot of the extra weight with the vbg i know its all about the way You follow the program but was wondering the % of people that did loss alot or not alot plus i guess i am looking for people to share why they chose this surgery over the others and if they r happy with there choice Thanks for all your help in advance 458-5'11 Anastasia