Hi, first off cottage to you, and your new life that is waiting just around the corner!!! My name is Carole, I had my sleeve done on October 20, 2011! In a little over 6 months I have lost almost 110 lbs! I went from a size 24 to a 12 and now the 12 is starting to get big! Everything is just happening so fast! I tried the protein shakes, but I thought they were vile!!! If you can tolerate them, then that is great, and keep drinking! My surgeon said as long as I could eat yogurt, which I could than I didn't have to worry about the protein. My protein is still a little low as are some of my vitamin levels. So please take your vitamins!! My heaviest I was 306 now I am into the 190's. I feel so much better. I had a rough surgery, the day after I had a heart attack, was intubated for 3 days awake... HORRIBLE.... Went back into surgery 2 days after the first surgery cause I was losing so much blood, need 6 transfusions. Then my spleen was bleeding into itself, I know that sounds strange, but your spleen has an outer capsule. So I spent 11 fun filled days in the hospital. People ask me if it was worth it?...... I say yes every time! My life was going nowhere. Now I'll be able to do all the things I couldn't! Even at 46 I am going back to school! And start my life. You can talk to me ask me questions feel free, I know what you are going through! Just hang in there! Take care, Carole