2nd Phase. As of date, I have already lost 114 lbs

Hello to you all. I have decided to join MFP instead of the forum I had used during the first phase of my weight loss. I am 38 and I had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy on July 17, 2012 which helped me go from 300 lbs to 186 lbs. I must say that one has to be ready for this journey. The internal and external changes as well as the relationships it affects. The road was hard at times but I stuck to it and cannot begin to tell you the benefits it has brought about. Now, I am not going to sit here and tell you that once you lose the weight that you will suddenly reach Nirvana and Utopia. This new life comes with its own set of challenges: 1) loose skin 2) issues with body image 3) weight gain (I think I've gained about 10 lbs) 4) emotional eating 5) emotional triggers 6) social triggers 7) changes in interpersonal relationships 8) insecurities 9) intimacy 10) sudden overhaul of goals, needs, wants, career, etc... Even with all of these the journey has been worth it. To discover that person that I had within, to nurture her, to scold her, to adjust her, to heal her, to obey her when attention and a positive shift is needed.

Last week I saw a plastic surgeon for the removal of the extra skin. While he wishes to operate now, myself I wish to lose another 40 lbs and build serious muscles and a fit body prior to doing so- I think it would guarantee better results overall. This is why I have decided to reset my eating plan to resemble the one I had post-surgery for the next 60 days. I am hoping to see a significant difference.

I decided to go on MFP for this leg because the journey is about other issues which are addressed here with candor. I will of course keep active on my "alma mater" forum but I think it best to somewhat change the beat of one's drum. I hope I find this as supportive as the other forum and that you will remain with me on this journey towards the me I know I can be...

I will post some before/after pictures tomorrow...

Thank you.