Optimist01

OK, here's the 411... you will not be able to eat (more than a couple bites and I mean a couple of bites!) or drink (other than Water or Protein shakes) for the first 2-3 months. After that, you will be able to eat about a palm size portion of food at one sitting but still will not be able to drink liquid while you eat or it will be very painfull for you. Drinking alcohol is not a good idea. After 3-4 months, maybe a small glass of wine once or twice a week but that's it.
The thing is, you don't need to eat a lot or drink alcohol to have a good time, to relax, or to socialize. You need to realize this, really understand this, and know that if you do the sleeve you can still have a good time, relax and socialize ... it just won't include (a lot) of food or (much if any) alcohol. Life style change. That's what this is about. That's how we lose weight, and that's how we gain a new life.

I am a slow loser too.............I dont mind because I am in this for the rest of my life. If you lose slower, you will have less saggy skin and min hair loss...............look at it that way.

Yes, it's normal to be emotional. This procedure is a big deal.... it changes your life, your eating habits and probably will affect some of your relationships. You must remember that these changes will be positive... however emotional it makes you feel now. Change is hard. Really really hard. Don't underestimate how it will effect you. But remember, you did this for a better life and happier and heathlier future. You will have this new life but have to go through a kind of right of passage but only in the beginning. Just be tough. Love yourself and be kind to yourself. Talk to your friends, doctor, counselor, religious advisor. Listen to positive voices only! Eat well and take very good care of yourself. In a couple of weeks, you'll feel better and be stronger. Then you can give advice to those who go through this process.
Wishing you a wonderful life.

Thank you all for your responses. I will pray for you tropicalgal and thank you for your prayers. I wish I had the same certainty as WhoozisAnyway -- what a great mind set. I think the determining factor is that if I don't do this, there will be no change in my life. One year, or two or three years from now, I'll still be where I am right now and that's just so sad. How wonderful it will be to be slim and to feel beautiful. To be healthy and energetic. I've always wanted to learn to surf or to kayak, or to salsa. I would love to wear jeans in heels and get a short, sassy hair cut that looks fabulous on my slimmer face. It all sounds superficial but it's the truth. That's what I will keep thinking about...