AndThenThereWas1

Oh, Chelenka, first of all, thank you so much for your words of encouragement...Now I am more sure than ever that I want to have the sleeve surgery and thank you for the invaluable information on post op info. Secondly, congratulations on your successful weight loss, that is wonderful and very encouraging to me personally. I know this is a life time commitment and I am ready for the change. Like you, I have been overweight most of my life and I am just sick and tired of trying and failing, losing and gaining. I'm ready to stop this insane cycle and just live my life as healthy and "normally" as I can for how ever many years I have left. My only regret is I didn't look into this years ago, maybe it wouldn't have got to the point of where I am now. Anyway, new changes, new beginnings, new me! And it feels sooo good not smoking anymore. I really wanted to quit, but never really had the motivation until I had to decide between smoking or living healthy...53 days smoke free and 19 pounds lighter already. Yeah, I'm smiling Thanks!

Hi. I'm a newbie. I'm still going through initial tests, evaluations, etc. Have an appt. today with psychologist to confirm I must be crazy for going through with this lol. My first "hurdle" was to quit smoking. So I did. Cold turkey. May 27, 2014 (It's been 49 days...yay, me!) I've lost 17 pounds since my last Dr. visit on June 25, 2014 on my "pre-pre surgery diet." Cut out all caffeine, switched from sugar to Splenda. Drinking lots more Water. Even exercising little at a time each day. Highly motivated. Cut out all fast food, fried food, sweets, etc. Just a little nervous about them taking out 85% of my stomach. Would like to hear from anyone who has completed surgery requirements and have been living "life style" change for the past 2 - 5 years. Any helpful do's or don'ts? Any recommendations as to which Protein shakes are best/least expensive? Same with Vitamin supplements. Any info to put my mind at ease would be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to making new friends and chatting.

Yes, I'm definitely going to try the Lean Body as well as the Premier Protein. Thanks for sharing the info. I agree - the Lean Body is pretty good. I can't drink premier but I can pure protein vanilla. The chocolate sometimes gives me digestive challenges. This week our meijer has pure protein products buy 2 get 1 free.

Thanks, Gianacruz for the info. I'm going to Sam's later this week and I plan on trying the premier Protein first, then I'll try the Lean Body from Walmart. I appreciate your reply!

@Goodlife1206: My apprehension has abated some, now that I've talked to my psychologist. The more I think about it, the more I realize that my positive attitude and determination will give me the strength to help me see this journey all the way through. I cannot let the fear of the "unknown" or fear of "failure" stop me from doing what I know is right in my heart, which is living a healthy, successful lifestyle. I, like you, have tried a 'gazillion' times only to tell myself, "This is just too hard, can't do it." But I have come to the conclusion that if I can quit smoking cold turkey after 30 years of putting my body through unnecessary sickness, then I can spend the next 30 years trying to make up for it by treating my body right. Attitude is everything, my friend. Thank you for your post and good luck with your journey. I am here if you'd like to talk further. Well, I went for my psych evaluation today and just as I suspected...I am certifiably crazy lol. Actually, It wasn't quite as bad as I thought it would be. Dr. and I talked for about 30 minutes, then I took a computer test and two short paper tests, which consisted mostly of common sense questions, my opinion about myself and basically making sure I had the good sense to follow instructions and maintain my weight and health with serious dedication. After all was completed, Dr. let me know after evaluating all my tests that his recommendation is "I am a good candidate for this surgery". Again, the only apprehension I have is the fact that 85% of my stomach will be permanently removed and I just want reassurance (especially from previous patients) that, provided I follow instructions and recommendations, there won't be any "ongoing, major complications". After all, once I do this, there's no turning back. I believe in my heart and soul that I have the desire, determination, will power and support to make this a successful journey. I've done my homework through research, reviews, asking a lot of questions, weighing my options, etc. I quit smoking cold turkey on May 27, 2014 and have lost 17 pounds from 06/25/14 through today's date (07/17/14) simply by following the 'pre-pre diet' my bariatric clinic recommended to help me get used to the upcoming pre/post surgery diet. So far, so good. I plan on keeping a journal and updating everyone so that if anyone has questions, just as I have, maybe my personal experience can help them through and make their transition experience a little easier for them. I will post pics soon. Again, feel free to question or comment on your personal experience so I can get a "heads up" on your trials and tribulations of the sleeve surgery. Thanks for all your input!