So this is my first blog, I wanted to share my story and this seems like the best place to do that. First of all I have never told anyone my weight, not even my husband. I have been morbidly obese for over 10 years now, I said I would never be where I am today. In Febuary of 2012 I went to a bariatric surgery seminar at a local hospital with the intention of getting the sleeve. I was not going to tell anyone except for my immediate family,a few weeks later I ended up talking to a long time friend, about the sleeve, who told me of her family member that had surgery with Dr. Ortiz and how pleased they were. I got on the phone that day and spoke with my now patient coordinator. I am so happy I called. In March when I first contacted the Obesity Control Center, I weighed (can't believe I am publicizing this) 361 pounds, Dr Miranda informed me that I needed to lose 41 pounds in order to safely have the sleeve surgery. After some tears and encouragement from her and my family, I decided that I could in fact do this. I did the Atkins type diet with my husband years ago and HATED it, but that was the route I was going to attempt again. My husband has been doing it with me which makes for great support. I have to say that it has been easy, i'm not hungry; I do have some cravings every now and then, but nothing I can't handle. I have went to the movies and never smelled the popcorn even though my daughter was eating it right next to me, we go out to resturants and I stick to my plan, no problems. I have been to 2 birthday parties and both times I happened to be sitting next to the cake cutter and I never even smelled the cake. I just keep thanking God, because I am usually very sensitive to smells and odors. Low carb alone was going to slowly for my own goals, I wanted to have surgery scheduled for April 30, 2012, so after talking to Dr. Miranda I switched to a low cal/ low carb shake for breakfast and lunch, 80 or more ounces of water a day and a low cal/low carb type menu for supper. My first week on the shake/shake/supper method I lost 8 pounds, yes I said 8 pounds, my total loss to date is 21 pounds. I am so excited to say that I scheduled my surgery for April 30, 2012. I have been viewing videos on the internet about the skin after weight loss and I am a little bummed about the possibility of excess skin, but I will be healthier and happier with excess skin than I am with all this excess fat. Just after 21 pounds I feel a difference in energy, ability and focus. I see a difference too, for instance, my feet are slimmer, I have some wrinkles around my toes and sides of my feet (what a wierd place to lose weight, huh?) my boobs no longer look like part of my stomach, instead of one big round protusion for a belly, I have an indention beginning. And this is just 21 pounds, without vigerous exercise. I broke my toe about 4 weeks ago so I can't exercise the way I would like, but I have increased my activity level. I am looking forward to playing the WII fit again in a few weeks when I am below the max weight. I hope to start running for exercise and eventually run a marathon with my daughter. When I counsel at youth camp this summer I am going to be playing with the kids instead of watching from the sidelines. It is sad that the person I am has been hidden inside this body for such a long time; I let my weight control how much of my personality comes out in person. All I can say is I'M COMING OUT!!! 20 days and counting!