Hi - Today's my first day on calorieking, but it's another step in a LONG journey when it comes to diet and exercise. I've spent the past few months working through approval steps for gastric banding, but have treated the time as one long "last supper" and I'm ready to change this and get serious.

How so? I've pretty much given myself free rein on whatever I want to eat, to the point of being uncomfortable. The past few days topped it out though. Sunday was a brunch buffet, a big dish of dairy queen, and a frozen pizza (ugh). Yesterday was a whopper, big onion rings, a big porterhouse with mushrooms and ice cream with angelfood cake. The whole time thinking about how uncomfortable I was afterwards. Yuck!
This morning, I did go to starbuck's but I got a light frappucino, at least. I've already admonished my friend to smack me if I order bad things at lunch, and I will start logging every meal, even when it's bad (that's when I need it most!).

On July 12th, I go in for my final pre-approval appointments (dietician, physical therapist and bariatric doctor), after which I can get my surgery date. It would be really nice to be down at least a few pounds when I go in, and that should be completely manageable in 16 days.

I have all the tools I need right now to do this - a calorie log, pedometer, good digital diet scale, a wealth of information, and the support of family and friends (although a few might be disappointed if I don't "join in". I've done this before and I can certainly do it again!

About the picture - that's from last Fall, about 20 lbs lower than I am now. Wouldn't it be nice to get there as a starter before surgery?