For all Newbie's or soon-to-be newbies: Here's the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the...

I agree 100%.  Get off as much as you can in the first six months, as it will never be easier.  What worked for me was a stricter diet than what my Dr.and NUt allowed.  I followed the 800 calories, 100 grams protein and under 40 carbs plan. It worked and was really doable the first year.  After I reached goal and unfortunately started to let some things back in, it became a whole lot harder to stick to. Maintenance is a ***** and a never-ending battle.  Its worth the fight though. 

Thank you for this post! I'm still pre-op and it's good to see that everything isn't all roses. As the kids say "THE STRUGGLE IS REAL". Shoot I'm learning this just in my pre-op diet. I'm trying to eat like I would post-op and some days it works, some days it doesn't. I'm getting better though. 

Thanks to those who posted that the "honeymoon period" is over around 6 months. I just passed 6 months on July 26. Usually every month I post a monthly update with my month's weight loss and NSVs. This time I didn't post because I lost so little pounds this past month, -2.8. It's a loss and I am happy about that, but I was having a hard time posting a positive post, and was trying to get myself into thinking positively again. So this information has really helped. I was also fearing that the future would only hold about 2 pounds lost a month, but already in my seventh month I have lost 2.6 pounds, so there is still hope I may have better months than my sixth month. :-) Kay

Great post !!!!

Not taking advantage of the first 6 months makes it many times harder for the next 6 months.

There are many thresholds and markers in this process.... 6 months, one year, two years, three years and every year after.

Reality is that it gets harder and harder "for most" as time goes on.

frisco

It took me 18 months to get to goal, but I am still maintaining. 

Thanks for your response.  That is my plan - to reach goal in 18 months and at the rate I am going, it is attainable.  Then maintenance for life   Congratulations on your success!

Thank you for posting this!  We have a lot in common.  I am scheduled for the sleeve on June 1, 2016 and I am looking forward to getting this show on the road! My husband and I have started working out getting ready.  I understand it is going to be hard work and will be for the rest of my life. Thank you for the words of wisdom and look forward to reading your future posts.