Stacy--boy, can I relate! It is REALLY hard to be "hip" when you're fat. I'm young (well, 31...is that still young?? Guess I feel young b/c I'm still 'unattached'...) and pretty active. My friends are all thin. They're always asking me why I don't have a boyfriend--like I just have to snap my fingers and one would magically appear. In my heart, I know its b/c my confidence level is at an all time low (128 lbs. overweight will do that to you!); oh, I fake it pretty well--come across as "bubbly" most of the time, but the physical weight is also an emotional weight. Ever feel like that? I really sympathize with you regarding the "you wear your weight well" comments. That's almost as bad as the "you've got such a pretty face" comments--is it just me or are they really saying, "if you'd lose some weight, the rest of you would be pretty, too"? Oi!
Anyway! I just wanted to offer you some encouragement. You're taking a difficult step, but one that will help you get where you want to be. My best advice is to surround yourself with people who support you. I had my surgery on 20 December 2001 (have lost 18 lbs. so far!!), and I've been staying with my parents. My mom has been amazing. The first few days out of the hospital were a little tough, and she made everything so smooth and manageable. Plus, she pushed me just enough to get me going. WALKING is the key!! Walk everyday as far as you can without killing yourself. I'm up to 1.2 miles a day. I really believe that it is the walking that has helped me heal more quickly. (I had a one-week post-op doctor's appt.--several were there who had their surgeries around the same day as me, and none seemed to be moving around as well...). Of course, you're having the laprascopic surgery, so I imagine your recovery will be much speedier than those of us who have been sliced wide open. ;)
Let me know how things go... I'll be praying for you!
Oh, and any advice you can offer on the protein supplement issue (I noticed from the message board that you rec'd quite a few suggestions?) would be HUGELY appreciated!
Good luck!
Tracie