19sweetness69

You are all doing so well. I understand about the pain. I've had 2 knees, 2 hips, and one shoulder - all total replacements. But now I still have another shoulder that needs a replacement and an arm that I can't straighten at the elbow - both very painful. I am so looking forward to the surgery. What I really want to know is what are the best tasting of the protein drinks that are at least 20 gm. protein and under 200 calories? And when you make your own, if you're not used to or don't like spinach, etc. in your drinks, how do you handle it? I'm afraid that green drinks will taste horrible. I keep thinking about the sagging skin and rashes,etc. But I have to laugh to myself cause I think about going into a plastic surgeon after I lose my weight and have breast work. I can't imagine myself at 69 yrs. old having perky breasts.

Hi mevere - wow, you've done great before you've even had the surgery. I've lost some weight, but not like that. I know that I'm not getting enough exercise - except that I'm walking and swimming most days. I just don't seem to be able to get in 1-2 lbs. of vegetables and 100 oz. of water a day. Medicare has certain stipulations that take a minimum of 3 months - so on Aug 18th I will have concluded that - and hopefully schedule and be approved. I'm a newbie, too. I love this site. It gives so much information. Keep up the good work!

I'll be 68 next month. Haven't had the surgery yet - but hoping to in Sept. I've completed all my tests and just waiting for the cardiologist letter and my Aug 18th visit to the doctor. I hope at that time, I can schedule it and begin my 2 week liquid fast. How are the rest of us "youngsters" doing?

Guess I didn't go far enough into the pages to find the 2014 patients. I have finished all of the requirements and just waiting for the clearance from the cardiologist. I'm in West Bloomfield and having it done at Huron Valley -SInai Hospital by Dr. Matthew Weiner. So far, everyone at his office and he are really nice. My son is a GI doctor at Spectrum and he said the doctors there are really good. So he asked them about my dr. and they said to stick with him cause he's really good. I'm pretty confident about that. I'm not nervous about the surgery (hopefully, in Sept) because I've had 5 joint replacements at Huron Valley and they are terrific there. I just keep hearing awful things about the liquid diet before surgery and how bad the shakes are. Do any of you have any good recommendations? Can you blend fresh fruit with them? Dr. Weiner wrote this book called "A Pound Of Cure" so I have been following his program in it. I crave sweets - especially chocolate, etc. and I can't believe that I haven't had it in about 6 weeks - nor any dairy or wheat. I'm trying to prepare myself for after surgery. Did any of you - (or maybe all of you) do that, too? Would love to hear from you.

It seems like all the Michigan people already had their sleeves done in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Is there anyone in MI who is having a sleeve in Sept 2014?