notime

We've all been through the worried stage. You sound as though you have decided this surgery is your best chance at leading a healthier life. If that is so, I have a few suggestions for you: --Take a stand against the negativity of others. Tell the people on your book club site that you are not going to discuss this decision with them anymore and that they need to let it go, too. --Don't tell anyone who doesn't need to know that you are having the surgery. It is your decision, whichever way you eventually go. --By all means, go to your appointments to discuss this with those who know how to help you. --Do what you can to make your diet palatable. We discussed some of those ways above. --Get those Vitamins and get on with the nutrition program your doctor requires. These things will be hard to do because you are so down and it will be hard to take any action, but you will feel better if you take them. I am obviously not the expert on anything much less about how you should deal with your situation, but these are the actions I would take were I in your situation. Please keep us informed about how you are doing.

It was temporary for me. When you think about it, it makes sense that it would only be temporary. The surgeon removes part of the stomach, but leaves the entry point into the stomach the same. (I don't know the anatomical names, but I have the gist of it.) That entry point is the hurdle the pills must clear and it stays as large as it ever was.

It's easy to get discouraged. You can do this, though. If the shakes are a problem, try adding one or one half scoop of chocolate or vanilla Protein powder into a cup of Carnation no sugar added hot chocolate. Add a fruit Protein Powder to Jello just after you have stirred in the jello mix; the powder may not totally dissolve, but that's not a problem. It will still be tasty. Add one or one half scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder to coffee. The object is to find ways to mask the powder's taste. As far as the Vitamins go, don't agonize over what to get. Find something with the right ingredients and get it. You can go with the cheaper ones that can be found at costco, Sam's, etc. or you can walk into a Vitamin Shop or GNC, hand the clerk your list and get the supplements they pick out for you. Don't let overthinking this keep you from acting.

Like you, I was calm until one week before the surgery when I went into panic mode. I thought about all of the reasons for me to have the surgery and the panic subsided.

I hope you've heard from the anesthesiologist and that all is well.

I haven't read all the responses, so forgive me if this is a repeat. Focus on all the improvements in your life since you lost that weight. What about your health? Perhaps you're off some medication or lab work came back with good numbers. What about your quality of life? Perhaps it's easier to do some things now. Perhaps you have more energy. There are probably lots of wonderful results from your weight loss.

I know this is politically explosive, but have you checked out the Obamacare website? If you sign up now, the insurance starts in January. You may even be eligible for a subsidy.

Congratulations on straightening out the timing of the screening. Now call the nutritionist and ask when you should start the liquid diet. Don't go by what anyone else on this board has done to prepare for the surgery, do what your doctor has decided is right for your particular situation.

I would call the surgeon's office to discuss the testing. You don't want it to fall through the cracks and delay your surgery. Follow what your nutritionist says about the pre-op diet. She/he is telling you what your doctor requires.

My nutritionist said no straws ever, but some people on here have posted they use straws without any ill effect. This probably just muddles the issue for you.

Thank you for sharing that.

I think the best thing to do is to remind yourself of why you are having the surgery. I did that when I had a moment of panic about one week before surgery. It really put the whole issue back into the proper perspective. My reasons were to preclude diabetes and other health repercussions of obesity and to improve the quality of my life. Think about yours.

It's major surgery, so there is risk. Anesthesia is a risk, as are blood clots. I don't know the other risks. Many people on this board have expressed concern about the risk of dying, so yes, it's normal. On the other hand, there is great risk in being obese. The sleeve has been around a long time as a surgical treatment for stomach cancer. It is good you are considering the pros and the cons and will make an informed decision.

Keep working on it. It won't be long before you can do the protein. Try Greek yogurt-- 2% fat, plain. Fage is the brand I eat. If you like sour cream, you will like Fage. My nutritionist had it on my liquid diet. It is loaded with protein and counts as a fluid. Try putting chocolate or vanilla protein powder in cocoa. Just be sure the cocoa isn't too warm. Keep trying, you'll get there.

gourmetone had good advice. You've just undergone major surgery. Don't expect to spring back overnight. You will get there. Are you walking?

If you don't get any more responses, start reading at the beginning again. There are a lot of positive experiences documented here.

I saw an ad for an introductory session, attended and decided right then that I would have the lap band. After a few days of research it became clear the sleeve was a better choice for me. There was no hesitation on my part.

Definitely be careful how much you buy. Too much emphasis is placed on the early diet, which is over before you know it. Then you're left with a bunch of food you don't want to eat later on. This goes for protein powders/drinks, too.

When people ask how I am losing weight, I tell them it is diet and exercise.

There are lots of posts about this. You can get a bunch of information by searching for "protein shakes" or something similar. The search box is on the right near the top.

I'm not sure why you're so bitter, but I suggest you stop taking it out on other people on this board.

I was told 800 calories, 90 carbs, 22 fats, 60 proteins. This seems to vary a lot doctor to doctor.

Yes, I look older and I feel younger.

I was told any amount of walking was good from the very beginning and was cleared for all exercise at my four week appointment.

I told no one but my husband and daughters. Even now, a year and a half later, I have only told three other people. When people ask how I have lost weight, I tell them diet and exercise. And that is the truth.