13 days out and kinda scared

I've lost 20 pounds as of yesterday, which is amazing, I know, but when I went into surgery, I was actually much larger than I realized with a BMI of about 65.  I am scared of failing.  It's not like I want to be svelt or anything, I just want to be healty at around 200 pounds but starting at 450 might make that impossible.   Anyway, just sitting here, finishing yet one more strictly measured meal, wondering if it's all going ot be worth it in the end.

Stay scared, it's will help you succeed!  I'm coming up on 2 years post-op and I'm still scared. In these last 2 years I've lost almost 200 pounds and my life has done a 180 degree turn.  It has been a rough road, full of potholes, but oh so worth the travels!  Congratulations on the weight loss so far, your doing great and you can do this, heck if I did, anyone can!

Looking at the profiles and pics of those who started in the same boat I'm in and have succeeded like you have is definitely encouraging!  Your profile made me want to jump on that exercise bike, but I took a slow walk around the house instead.  I'm still a week or so away from the bike :) Thanks again! Tara

Tara, You will make it.  Your goal is so realistic.  Keep eating one meal at a time.  Before you know it you will be there. I started out close to 500 and I have lost over 200 lbs. in 2 years.  I am 53 years old and very limited in movement because of bone on bone knees.  Tara, you will do this.  Don't look at what you used to do look at what you are doing, Good luck to you. Jeanne

I find that setting myself mini-goals gives me something to look forward to.  For most of us 50+BMI's we have a LONG weight loss road, so looking to my mini-goals keeps me motivated and interested.  Of course, thinking of the final goal is exciting too, but sometimes it just seems too far out of reach.  :) A little healthy fear is good, just don't forget where you've come from and how important being healthier is.  My surgeon's nurse suggested that we take the time (pre-surgery...but it's not too late!) to write down all the things that we think and feel about how our weight makes us.  You know all the things you can and can't do, all the things that are limiting you.  That way if you ever need to give yourself a pep talk along the way, you can take out this list and read it. Good luck!  But I'm sure you will do well with this new path of life!

your doing great. my bmi was 81 and i weighed 509 and i to sometimes feel like im failing when the scales dont move. But then i notice things like i can pull my legs up beside me on the couch,i can walk and not be out of breathe,i can drive and no seat belt extender you to will notice these things they are little things to some but to us big girls they are wow moments. yesterday i lost my bloomers in the store they were just to big,i was so happy about it . so when i think im gonna fail i pull out those before and now pics and that keeps me going... you can do it sweetie and yes it is worth it

Thank you thank you for your post today. I look forward to all of those things as I worry myself sick over my surgery on the 14th. You said what I needed to hear today. Thank you for answering my prayer.

Hi there, I can be a long journey for us that start out with a high BMI.  I started at about 344# which for me was a BMI of 63.3 for me.   I am basically short and round.  Sometimes I get discouraged too, until I realize how much healthier I am starting to feel already.  The numbers may go slow sometime, but they do move.  Keep up with the walking and the measuring!!  And keep coming here for support!!! Good luck to you!!!  Let me know if you ever need support Caroline

You can absolutely do this, it'll just take time.  Those of us who start out SMO have a longer journey than our "lightweight" companions, but it's a journey worth taking.  Success does require a commitment to significant changes in how you eat, religiously taking the prescribed supplements, and, IMHO, making exercise part of your regular routine.   Many folks here started out at 400+ pounds and have gotten down to the 200-pound range or below.  So it is an achievable goal.  As Jan noted, being scared is a good thing; it will help keep you mindful about why you cannot and should not go back to your old habits.   Keep us posted on your progress -  Kellie