Meredith

I'm mentally going through the same feelings right now. I'm only 12 days post-op and have lost 22lbs since the surgery. I'm still going through my weekly diets, but I'm even afraid to add new foods (cottage cheese, etc.) to my protein. I know that when I'm able to eat whatever, I'll mentally shut down and go crazy. In the back of my mind, I know I need counseling because it's a big deal emotionally. I've found amazing friends throughout this website. If you're cheating and being stupid with food choices, they'll let you know. Also, they'll help you when you need it most... that's the best part!

Here goes... I'm getting sleeved Wednesday morning in Myrtle Beach, SC, and am psychologically struggling with replacing my "eating fun" with real fun. I've greatly struggled on my pre-op diet, mainly because I don't know how to say "no" to food or an easy fix for dinner over my protein shakes. My husband and I have always associated fun with food if it's watching a movie on tv and eating a whole bag of Oreo's or wanting to go out to eat for a new experience when we travel a bit. He knows how important it is to stick on my pre-op and even get the nutrients I need post-op, but we both don't know how to deal with me drinking a protein shake and whatnot. I told him that post-op, going out to eat will be super cheap since it's just going to be him eating for the most part, and I'll nibble here and there, but I don't want my need to have fun to revolve around food. My husband has gained a lot of weight since we started dating (3 years ago), and I would love to say that once I start losing weight and feeling better, I'll want to get out more and either go kayaking, hiking, etc. I guess through all of this, I'm just looking for some guidance, advice and help off the cliff. I need this surgery to change me not only physically but mentally also. With a surgery next week, it might be too late to change BEFORE, but I want to be able to deal with the change even better when I HAVE to.

I'm 22 and weigh 315. I go for a consultation tomorrow and am hoping to schedule a surgery in June or July. For being big, I've got pretty tight skin, so I'm hoping that everything will shrink post-op and that I won't have the flab everywhere. But I'd much rather deal with flab in a size 6 and not a 24.

I'll be using Premier protein shakes from Sam's Club. It's got 30g protein and 1g sugar. With tax, it comes out to $18ish for 12 shakes, so you can do the math. I love the taste of Slim Fast, and I even think the protein shakes taste better. It's not going to be hard doing strictly shakes for two weeks prior to surgery. With the amount of protein, you stay full for pretty much the whole day. Maybe I can take the 7/18 date if it's still available!!

I called the morning after my previous post and do get the special $8,000 self-pay pricing since I already had a consultation scheduled for next Monday at 1pm.

I plan on giving his office a call in the morning to make sure things are a go. Thanks for letting me know. Good luck on your surgery! My aunt had it done in Mexico last June and has lost 100+ pounds and looks amazing!!

I live about 4 hours away from Conway, SC, so I will be going to his office on April 9th for the consultation. I'm getting married to my best friend in May and have decided to trim the wedding down to close friends and family so that we will be able to use the extra money towards the surgery. I have heard great things about Dr. Washington and am so excited that I found him instead of going to Mexico for the price. Are the surgery dates all the way out to September? To say that I am excited is a complete understatement.