Big Step In the Right Direction

I met with my primary care doctor last week and she prescribed me my very low dose cholesterol medication so that my approval for surgery will not be a problem. I also met with the behavioral counselor at the weight center, which was my LAST appointment at the weight center. Its pretty unbelievable that it has been 7 months since I started this journey. 
The counselor specializes in weight-loss and issues related to obesity. It was so great to speak with her and have someone know where I am coming from (I even cried a little). I love my husband dearly but he has never been overweight and neither has anyone else in his family so he can't relate to the struggle at all. Mandy, the counselor, helped me determine what I need to do to put myself first and also things that I need to accomplish prior to surgery to ensure success post-op. Here they are:

1.  My first and most important goal is to slow things down. I have determined that many times when things don't go as planned or I stray off of my plan it is because I was just too busy and didn't have enough time to allow myself to make good choices.  
2. Increase my protein intake to 80 grams per day, which is where it needs to be after I have surgery anyway. This will make the post-op diet and adjustment less stressful. 
3. Realize that the only thing that is going to change after surgery is my stomach; I am still going to be busy and have all of the same responsibilities. I need to establish a healthier schedule now so that I don't sabotage my success post-op. 

My next step is to meet with the surgeon and get our introductions out of the way! I made my appointment for November 17th and I will meet with the surgeon that I have chosen first and then meet with the nutritionist (in a group setting). 
I am still not planning on having surgery until May 2015 unless I can come up with the insurance money sooner but with the holidays just around the corner that seems like a very slim possibility. The money that I am talking about is the deductible money that is due 2 weeks prior to surgery, in my case it is $1,000. 

I will tell you my weight and stats after my first appointment with the surgeon. 

I am so excited to have the ball rolling with my surgery!