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Isopure Zero Carb is the best I have found, the Dutch chocolate and Cookies and Cream are delicious and I don't have to add anything else to them except my Skim Plus milk. Two scoops give 50 grams of protein, has zero carbs and with 2 cups of skim plus milk I have my full 72 grams of protein for the day. I get the Isopure online at "Supplementwarehouse.com" and I get a free shaker everytime I order and I usually get it delivered within 4 days. I have so many others and I just couldn't stomach them at all but this one is like drinking a regular shake.

Part of the problem is how some people resort to hyperbole in criticizing how others are eating. I had started a thread last week about how I drank a little bit of flat, watered down, caffeine free Diet Coke and you'd have thought I had eaten live babies. People were outraged and all I did was say how I was amazed how it made me feel better to be just a little normal again. But I was told I was going to cause a leak, ruin my weight loss, etc., all over a few ounces of soda.
Yet when I started another thread asking if anyone had actually gotten a leak from making poor eating choices, you could hear crickets chirping.
It's become the equivalent of "your face is going to freeze that way."
People need to stop acting like they know everything and know what's right for strangers on an Internet message board. They don't. Only your doctor and nutritionist know what's best for you. The lesson to be learned is, if you have a question, call the doctor, don't look for a reasonable dialogue here because it's not going to happen. I'm almost 3 weeks out and spoke with my doc and nut about how I've had no problems getting anything down, no vomiting, no reflux, but I'm having trouble dealing with puréed food because it's just too gross. They said to move on to softs and just chew well. If I had asked people about that here, my head would have been chewed, rather puréed, off.
People should just say, "if you have a question, call your doctor, but I did ____ when I was in your situation." I'm not sure why that's so hard to do.

My doctor told me that the greatest risk of leaks is 3-5 weeks, after the swelling has gone down, and is due to essentially hydraulic back pressure created as the stomach pushes food into the small intestine. Based on that, I WILL NOT CHEAT. It simply is not worth the risk. I will be in mushies then and they will be truly mushy. I'm patient; I have the rest of my life to eat. A few weeks is NOT going to kill me.

God has a plan for you...and part of that plan was for you to find this because of your decision. It's a blessing that they caught it and that it will be treated. (((Hugs))) I know you don't see that plan yet, but He will reveal all in the fullness of His time.
Good luck! Please let us know once surgery is over.

Hello all sleevers and pre-sleevers alike. It took me awhile before changing my avatar to a picture of myself but I decided long ago that I would post before and after pictures after one year out. So, here they are.
It has been one of the most incredible years of my life without a doubt. So much has changed, besides the weight. I truly hope that everyone finds their way on their own journey and keeps doing the right thing.
How did I get to goal? I kept doing the right thing.
I don't drink with meals unless I am calorie/carb loading for a race
I eat my proteins first, then my veggies
I exercise
Sure, I cheat occasionally with a cookie or ice cream, but I do not go overboard. I take time between each bite and chew well. I stop eating AS SOON as I begin to have the *full* feeling.
Also, I do not do the low carb thing. Just the opposite, to be honest. A month post-op, I has such little energy that I talked to my NUT who suggested I increase my carbs. It worked wonders for me. It spurred me into exercise and running. As I expended more energy, I increased my carbs. I did this with veggies. Carrots, beans ... the good kind, although I do have a fondness for crackers. (not so good)
IMO ... low carb = low energy = low exercise = (s)low weight loss
Increase the first, and you increase the rest
Thanks to all who have shared their hope, strength and encouragement.
MORE pictures in my Gallery

Hi there, welcome to the forum. I made the decision after I gained almost 75lbs after I retired, As I turn 40 this wt started creeping up slowly and I just could't get it off no matter how many step aerobics and spin classes I took. I also ate small amounts but I could never get full and would end up consuming too many calories. I have been con constant diets my entire adult life froom 17 years old to 43 years old. I would say at least two crash diets per year because I was in the military and I had to starve myself twice per year to make weight. Upon retirement and my 45h birthday I was at 250lbs my highest wt ever, I took a look at a photo from my gym and I said it's time to do something drastic so I started researshing the gastric bypass. I ran into someone who was researching the sleeve and I did also, I liked what I read about the sleeve and got the surgery in Jan 2012. I am now down to 182lbs in 6 months and I could NEVER HAD DONE IT WITHOUT THE SLEEVE. I could not do this alone not even with all my military discipline, courage, blah, blah, blah. My best advice is to read and gather as much info as you can and prepare yourself mentally. It is an emotional experience, I have lost friends because of this surgery, they think I am better than they are after I lost the wt. My lifestyle is changed now and I can't be around all the food any more, they can't understand that. Thank God my husband supports me and he is the only friend I need. So get strength and knowledge because you will need it, Good luck to you and I wish you success and happiness. I know I found it with the sleeve and only wish I had the operation done earlier

I am sort of the opposite. Now just over 4 weeks out and trying to eat more regular food, I am finding that I am more hungry than I was just after surgery. I am having to really eat slow and in small portions, so I may not be eating enough at each meal. The supplements make sure I am getting everything I need, but I think I need to eat a little more at each sitting, or more often.
The funny thing is that being a little bit hungry does not bother me at all anymore. I just ignore it for a while. In the past at the first sign of hunger I would have eaten a small wildebeast. Now, I am so pleased with my losses (and since I can not pig out like it was an Olympic sport anyway) it just does not bother me like it used to.

Ya know - I had the cancer fear. I asked my Dr. about it, and ya know what he said?
Obesity causes cancer.
I put that in my pipe and smoked it.
I am 2 weeks out today, down 20 pounds, and feel great!!

Vitamin E 800 IU is recommended for all fatty liver patients - Milk Thistle is OK but not a proven help....it won't hurt !

You must take a B-12 supplement. The stomach makes something called "intrinsic factor" that allows B-12 to be absorbed in the stomach, but with no stomach we need a supplement absorbed elsewhere. sublingual B-12 is available everywhere and is cheap. I take 2500 mcg twice a week and my labs are great.
We have to take calcium citrate, not carbonate, because citrate is better absorbed. With a big stomach there is enough acid that calcium carbonate is okay but with a tiny one we need citrate. Between dairy and supplements I get 1500 mg of calcium a day.
I take Centrum Silver Chewable Multivitamin because they don't have any Iron to mess up my calcium absorption. (Calcium and iron can't be taken together.) I take my multi and calcium during the day and then iron (I use Bifera) just before bed. Centrum also makes a chewable with iron, it's orange-flavored.
My doc recommended 60-80 gms of Protein. I used the Premier Protein shakes from Costco--each one has 30 gms of protein and tastes good to me.

Reading these stories, am reminded of how nasty humans can be. Obesity is one of those "things" that people feel they can comment on without recourse. Race, sexuality and weight were always topics that were openly targeted. We've (seemingly) reached a higher degree of sensitivity with regard to race. In the last couple of years, gay men and women have begun to (again, seemingly) enjoy basic human rights without the disgust often associated with them. But if you're 'heavy' 'overweight', or god forbid, 'obese'...there is no safe haven. People honestly feel it is their RIGHT to comment at-will on YOUR body!
I will not be a hypocrite and say I have not silently commented on someone bigger than myself (misery loves company), but I would NEVER openly poke fun, criticize or comment to their face! It is astounding how mean and calculated some family can be. Anyone who would demean another at a family gathering (or anywhere) are dirtbags. Plain and simple. UGH! This topic makes my blood boil!
Now, to answer your initial question: As a train commuter, I am ALWAYS aware of my seating options. If there are only spots left in a 2-seater, I will opt to stand...possibly an entire hour, rather than risk offending someone if I dare to go over the line by even a centimeter.
I will use these stories as motivation.

My doc's goal would have put me at 75 lbs loss and my personal goal is 90 lbs loss. My BMI was about 38. I was diagnosed diabetic type II last summer and decided that I had to do something more permanent for weight loss since I'm 35 and I've been yo-yo'ing since about 20 years old. I've lost about 55 lbs since February and a lot of that came off really fast. I have a feeling the next 35 lbs that I want to lose is going to come off a lot slower. I bet money i will be waiting another 5-6 months for that last 35 to come off but I'm ok with that. Now that I'll be 5 months out in about a week I know that it's going to slow down. I have to keep my exercise up and diet on point for sure.

I started at a BMI of 32? that is about 9 weeks ago. I'm 5'7"
Today, my BMI is at 24.6. I've lost about 50lbs since surgery.
It's fantastic, except that I'm still struggling with the energy level and dizziness, which I suspect is due to hypertension medications that I am still on.
Anyhow, its totally worth it, not for the weight loss, but a healthier me, because of the VSG, and how lil i eat now, im making smart choices for food. More Protein, Water etc.
I snack, but healthy stuff like baked almonds, tuna chunks in brine/water... fruits..etc
I'm very please post surgery, and the only time i felt bad, was when I went for an expensive buffet (mother's birthday) and could hardly get anything in.. waste of money~~
otherwise, I say go for it.. totally worth every penny!

This was an awesome thread to read because I like many of you have a lower BMI but I have other medical issues that qualified me for VGS surgery on July 9th. I am determined to make this lifestyle change!!!

My BMI has always been around 35. At least for the past 5 years. Last year it took a hike to exactly 40. That's when I decided I needed a more permanent tool to help keep the weight off.
I can lose weight, but I have trouble keeping off.
I was sleeved exactly 2 months ago, I have lost 50 pounds and have 30-40 to go. I say that because I have a very dense bone structure and don't want to get to bony looking.
I did the sleeve because I want to keep the weight off and it is helping me make a life style change. I love exercise and eating healthy, this has given me the incentive to keep it up!
Good luck to you!
Sent from my iPhone using VST

My bmi is almost 34.4. I am scheduled for surgery next week. I am self-paid. I am so ready for this. I have struggled with my weight forever. Long family history of diabetes... For me it's only a matter of time if I don't do something. I'm a size 14/16.... Goal is 135 pounds, I'm 5'4". Will keep you updated!
I have seen much success with lower bmi sleevers, we just seem to lose at a slower pace.

BMI of 33.1 and yes, I self paid. No co-morbidities but I was headed down an ugly road. I was not overweight all of my life, just for the last 10+ years. After trying just about every diet and failing multiple times, I had an epiphany moment. No more self loathing, no more yo-yo, no more buying diet plans. Did VSG because I wanted a fighting chance to be the real me.

Took out a loan to pay for VSG and worth every penny for a US surgeon. Outpatient surgery was a good experience. Hit weight loss goal in 5 months, but I was diligent with the VSG diet plan. Watched my carbs and kept Protein count up.

Surgery was drastic and VSG is non-reversible. This is your choice alone. So, let me ask you something. If you could keep off the weight without surgery, why haven't you?

I love my sleeve and have no regrets.

This is my exact dilemma.

My BMI was 35 and I self-paid 18 months ago. I had no co-morbid conditions but I was putting on about 10 lbs a year and could see where I would end up if I didn't do something. I had tried diet and exercise my whole life and had been only intermittently successful and never really thin. I spent most of my 20s-30s as a size 12.
This surgery has totally been worth it. I feel great. I can run without my knees hurting. I threw away chocolate after Easter because I didn't want to eat it--it wasn't very good and not worth the calories. If I put something in my body now, it had better be either nutritious or something glorious for the tastebuds. Ordinary is not good enough anymore.
I am a size six, I'm 5'8, and life is wonderful. Best money I ever spent.

u guys are so lucky insurance will pay for you!
In aus we don't have that option unless we pay a mint (around $200 a month) for really high up private health cover, then we are still out of pocket at least 9k.
If we self pay we are up for about 20k (I paid)
ouch.
ok sorry rant over.

My BMI is 35, and I'm 5'6". And I'm waiting for my insurance approval, and then for me there is no turning back. I want this.

My BMI was 33 when I was sleeved 2 weeks ago. I lost 50 pounds in the 3 months prior to surgery so I was on the fence about going through with it. I have lost 7 pounds in 2 weeks which is very slow compared to others, but I have only 45 pounds to lose. I am only 5'2 so any bit of weight shows on me.

I am almost 9 months post op and I was on the line for surgery with my BMI. In fact, the only reason I was able to get the surgery is because I have diabetes. I have done so well and this is the best decision I could of made for myself. I am really skinny now and wearing a size 8 in jeans and could fit into a size 6 if I liked my pants really snug. This is a complete life style change which is frustrating at times. I never knew how my head hunger would work but am now finding out. Now I have to change my mindset to I only need food to survive mode. I have to avoid those pesky carbs and increase my exercise because we can put the weight back on, after all, the sleeve is just a tool. My BMI in in normal range and my blood sugar levels are in the normal range now. If I eat candy, my A1C will go up, so diabetes can come back if I stray from my diet. So, tiny bit of sugar to no sugar for me. I'm am learning so much about my self and loving it. If you have any personal questions you would like to have answered, please feel free to PM me. Hope this helps.

My bmi is 37 I'm short and weight is 190 and would like to get to "130" I'm having surgery on sat June 30 and I can't wait. I would like to hear positive feed back also.

I've just had the surgery 2 weeks ago, and so far so good!
The way I looked at it was, been there done that! Yes i could loose the weight on my own, I have in the past but this is a long term assistance tool not my usual diet and exercise until someone invites me to dinner or drinks thing.
So far no problems with the food, i find I still want to eat the rubbish not so much in a head hunger way just if i see it I want it, and if its ok in my 2 week thing, yep sweet ill have it. But I'm happy with only a tiny amount (for example its taken me a week to eat 1/2 a tub of low fat moose). 1 or 2 tiny teaspoons and I've had my hit! (3 weeks ago me would not stop at a teaspoon) Don't get me wrong, I could easily polish off the whole tub even at 2 weeks out, but I don't find I need to or want to.
I have no idea about long term, hoping it works out ok. But I have accepted that it won't just fall off me because I went in with the lower BMI and already quite fit
also, my BMI was 38 day of surgery, but when i decided to have the surgery it was 34 - I just got a bit crazy in the lead up to surgery. Also I'm 5'7