So many newbees & oldies

Thank you for all the oldies on here who have been successful and all the newbees who are going through what I am about to go through. Its great to see I'm not alone.

I'm having a hard time picturing I could be successful as I love food. But I'm trying to remain hopeful. Still waiting to hear if I am even approved for surgery yet, could be any day. But I have high cholesterol, sleep apnea, osteo arthritis, and thyroid issues so I'm hoping to have the surgery by August. Wish me luck and good luck to all the newbees as well.

Welcome here!  I have my surgery on Wed. so am still a bit of a newbie, but I feel like I know so much from just being a part of this board.  You CAN be successful, you just have to educate and prepare yourself.  Know what you're getting yourself into.  I've been pretty religious about scouring these boards daily so I feel prepared for whatever I might encounter and even if it's something new, this is and will be the first place I come for advice.  Everybody on here is pretty wonderful!

Good luck getting your approval!  Once they schedule surgery, time flies!

Hi!  Still fairly newbieish here!  Congratulations on making this decision and I hope that you hear back soon!  I know the medical improvements have been 100% the best part of this journey for me so far.  I felt like a ticking time bomb before.  I finally feel my age again, not 20 years older!!

Take care!

The surgery gives you an absolutely amazing tool. I had been overweight my ENTIRE life. I had my surgery in November of 2011, so it's almost been 2 years! Time has flown by. I had lost 100 lbs. by the 6-month mark, and by 1 year, I had lost 150 lbs. The weight loss has slowed down for sure, as I am hovering around 170 lbs. lost. I can definitely eat more than I could early on, but I still cannot eat NEAR what I ate before the surgery. But the tool you will have helps you stay on track. You will be amazed and what it will do for you. I have always traveled but was restricted as to what activities I could participate in while on vacation. BUT when I went to Hawaii this April, I kayaked, hiked and rode a horse. I could have never done that before. Get ready for a world of new and exciting opportunities. It will happen. Good luck to you!

OH is such a great site.  It really does help to know that you're not alone and have the understanding of people that are going through the same thing.

I too love food.  I am learning that there's nothing wrong with loving food.  Just try to love the healthy ones.  Even though I can only eat small portions I still make sure that my food is seasoned well & is not bland so I don't feel like I'm being deprived.  When I eat my 2 oz of curry chicken (or whatever other protein I'm eating) I make sure it is the best curry chicken that I ever ate.  I savor every bite. 

I hope you get approval soon!!