Hi, I'm a Newbie

Hello all! I am new to the forum. My BMI is 61. I am 5'3 and 347lbs.  I am just beginning my WLS journey. I have had my consult with my surgeon, now I have to have 6 mos of Nutrtional Counseling and a Prescibed Exerise Program. My Dr. wants me to loose 10% of my weight during the next 6 mos to prove I am motivated and ready to make lifestyle changes. Good luck to everyone, whatever stage of WLS you are in!  

Welcome!  you will find a bunch of supportive and smart folks on this board!  i did the 6 months of nutritional counseling, didn't lose 10%, but luckily had the surgery anyway!  Good luck to you, my advice would be start walking for exercise now!  lys

Hi there, Welcome.... everyone here is great!!  Lots of good information and support.  Feel free to ask any questions that you might have.  I was about that size when I had my surgery (5'2 and 344#).  Good luck during your 6 month diet.  Learn everything you can about the WLS so that you can make an informed decision!! Welcome again Caroline

Oh my goodness, we must be twins brought up by different mothers! My stats are nearly the same as your. I have met all my pre op obligations and am waiting for insurance approval. Best of luck to you. Linda

37 pounds shouldn't be too difficult.  Just pace yourself.  If you drink regular sodas, try cutting one out a day until you are off of them.  Same thing for diet.  They are the devil and you can't have them after surgery anyway.  Find ways to make small changes to your diet so that you can lose that 37 pounds.  We have fun here and we all have so much more than most people to live and there are all types of people here.  Welcome!!

Welcome! If you follow the suggested diet and exercise guideline you will be learning, you should have no trouble losing 10% in 6 months.  Congratulations on taking the 1st steps in your journey. Patty

Welcome to you. This wonderful forum with great advice and help. You should do just fine doing following your physicians advice. Good luck to you.

Hello & welcome to you!  You will be amazing yourself time after time on this journey. We hope you will share each triumph and uncertainty with us. Good luck!!  HUGS  Jeanine

Hello Again! Thanks to everybody for the great welcome! Seems like family here, that's nice. I have cut out candy, chips, sugary cereal, pop tarts, etc. I still have a diet soda now and then but if I have to cut them out after surgery I can. I really like Cyrstal Light and Lipton diet green tea, and many other kinds of herbal tea hot. I'm not able to walk right now more than just around the house. My weight has caused my knees and back to hurt constantly, however during recent physical therapy I did well on a recumbent bike. I am scouting the local papers and yardsales for a stationary bike. What is the most important thing I should know about WLS? I'm interested in everyone's answers... Thanks Again!

Welcome Evrblue, and thank you for the wonderful welcome as well.  I wish you the best of luck in your WLS journey.  Even tho I am not the most informed, and havent had my surgery yet, if you need to take part in some thoughtless chatter, let me know....   =)