In the right direction..

I am getting a little closer...I have orientation for the Optifast program on the 22nd....just spoke with the Dr. office and was told I can get my tests done while I am Optifast.  So my first minor goal is to lose the required weight and during that time hopefully have all the other tests done by the required weight loss...that way when I make the 2nd appointment those two hurdles will be out of the way. Also start to build up an exercise regiment(even if it is just the treadmill). I have decided after further research and numerous emails from members that RNY is the best choice for me, again we all have to make this decision on an individual basis.  This board rocks!!! Thanks to everyone who has emailed me back, always looking to make new friends here...

Hey Rhino, one step closer is good than going back.  Good luck to you and congrats on your decision to have RNY.  Everyone is diffferent as to what works best, but I know without a doubt that RNY worked for me.  Be well and keep us up to date. John

Hey Rhino, congrats on making decisions and moving forward......    You are definitely on your way............. One piece of unsolicitated advice from me, "Stop minimizing your goals and accomplishments."   Your first goal isn't "minor" - it's your goal, and it's an important one.   And, trust me - getting your behind on the treadmill isn't "just the treadmill" - it's getting your behind off the couch, putting down the Hagen Daz and Pringles and WALKING.....    Ok - there ya go :-)     When I was pre-op, I could barely walk from my vehicle to my office.   I'd have to rest there for 15 minutes before I could go to the kitchen and get my morning coffee.....   You are on YOUR OWN PERSONAL JOURNEY here, and these are YOUR goals, and each one is a very important one in YOUR JOURNEY to get healthy and happy....  So, please - for the love of Pete (i don't know who Pete is, but love him anyway) - don't minimize what you're doing.......    Continued success to you Rhino.....   And, don't even think about arguing with me about why you can minimize these goals - cuz, you won't win. LOL  hee hee...... Chuck

Hey Chuck, Your absolutley right....I just wasn't thinking of my goals in those terms...maybe because the point where I am NOW to the day of surgery is seems a while away...but the fact that I have decided which surgery after research and taking the steps to lose the immediate weight quicker...your right...a GOAL is a GOAL...no matter what and should not be labeled.  Thanks for the words of encouragement!!! -Rob 

You are very welcome Rob.....   I just want you to make sure you are giving yourself credit for these MAJOR decisions you are making.   Don't set yourself up to think that the "surgery" is the goal.  Trust me, there are many, many, many goals and accomplishments in this journey.  My goal is to make it through the rest of the afternoon without opening another bag of sugar free chocoloate!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL....     Hang in there, bud... Chuck

Congrats to ya Rob, for: 1) Making the decision  to reclaim you health and life with WLS 2) Making the decision as to which surgery is right for you 3) Making the decision as to which Dr.  4) Making the decision to start walking he treadmill pre-surgery You are now on your way! As Chuck said so well, don't minimize any of your accomplishments or goals.  We are here to support ya in any way possible.  Stay focused, stay dedicated, stay on course and you will succeed my friend!!

Again, congrats and good luck!! 

I agree, setting goals is very important during the process.  The type of goal you set depends on you.  I have met some people who are most successful at long range goals, i.e to run a marathon, that will require so much training to achieve.  Other people do better by making that long range goal and then breaking it into several sub goals, such as walking 1 mile 5 times a week.  A huge part of this process is mental.  By getting your mind into the act, your body will follow.  I am now thinking so much about what food I am eating.  Does this  item supply the protein I require right now.  Is this a good choice, if it isn't is there a way I can make something that would be a good choice that would be similar. The treadmill, or just walking around outside is a great idea.  My wife and I were trying to walk two miles a day prior to our surgery.  I think our energy level came back quicker, because we had been exercising daily and our bodies were use to this activity before the drastic changes of surgery.  I also think our bodies had adjusted to the reduced calorie intake before surgery, due to the 400 to 500 calories a day on the Medifast shakes. Jim

Great post JIm. Thanks, man!!