MrsSugarbabe

My decision started with the suggestion from my PCP in June 2013, stating in order to get healthier, I needed to lose . I'm 58 and currently hover around 255. My weight my entire life has been a roller coaster. Even though there had been times when I lost 30, 40, 60 lbs. on my own and kept it off for several years, this last loss of 50 lbs. a few years ago has been creeping back on. As I've gotten older I have become a more "complicated patient" and have a number of diagnoses which should improve considerably following surgery. Initially I tried the medical weight loss program at the Center, but really wasn't working it and losing weight. That Doc suggested I consider my PCP's original recommendation. Gradually I started talking with everyone at work who I knew who'd had WLS and seeing what their experiences were like. Fortunately, one of my co-workers had the sleeve and her starting weight was close to where I'm at. At the time we talked she was about 18 mos. post-op and had lost 90-100 lbs. which was very encouraging to me. Everyone of my coworkers said they would make the same decision if they had it to do over. After that, I just started making all the necessary appointments myself and now I'm waiting for my appt. with the surgical dietitian. I don't know if I'll need to see her a second time before they send my paperwork off for insurance approval. I was thinking that I might be having the surgery sometime in October, but earlier this week my husband and I found a 14 day cruise that we want to take in December and I've decided to wait until after the cruise to have the surgery. The cruise isn't about the food, but since I don't know how I'll be feeling and adapting in the weeks following surgery, I'd rather not set myself up for possible, unnecessary pain or any other issues. I've waited this long, a few more months shouldn't make much difference. Since May of this year I have been drinking Protein shakes (Unjury) for Breakfast and lunch and have been slowly losing weight. I did this on my own to see if I liked the stuff and to start changing my lifestyle in preparation for post surgery. I can empathize with your feelings of anxiety and what ifs. I've had my share along with questioning why couldn't I lose the weight on my own as I have in the past. The reality is my body has changed, I'm older and not as active, and given my age my PCP said he felt this was my best hope of losing the 100 lbs. in order to improve my health. I feel like I'm just rambling now, so I'll stop here and just encourage you to stay strong and focused; educate yourself on every aspect of the process; avoid negative Nellies; and don't second guess yourself. You've made the right decision for you and that's all that matters. Best of luck!!

Hey! I'm pre-surgery so I can't speak to the Vitamins question, but I can tell you I've been using the unjury Protein powders since about May 1st (on my own) just to be able to get more protein each day - MD wanted me eating about 100gms/day which is really hard to do. I've lost a little weight during that time and time that my craving for Pasta has practically totally diminished, and I am not craving sweets. A co-worker suggested I try the Unjury so I read all the reviews on the website and took the plunge. I even like the chicken Soup flavor, just have to closely watch the Water temp. I just hope that once I have the surgery my taste preferences don't change. Have you had your surgery yet? If so, how have you been doing since then? I'm new to this website and have been reading a lot of posts mainly to gather information and everyone's different experiences.

Congratulations!! That's great news! Keep on keeping on!

Thank you all for your input and suggestions. I think I'm leaning toward cruising first and surgery after. I've waited this long for the surgery, another few months won't hurt. I'm currently doing Protein shakes for Breakfast and lunch, Mon-Fri, and a couple of shakes over the weekend with a regular dinner at night. I've been losing weight, but very slowly, in preparation for surgery (my idea at this point). I have an appointment with the surgical dietitian next Friday and will get more info and have more questions answered. I'm slowly getting to where I'm looking forward to having the surgery, but it still seems like such an extreme route to lose weight; although my PCP and cardiologist (who have nothing to gain by making the recommendation for surgery) both feel this is the best option for me in order to lose the amount of weight necessary to greatly improve my health. Of course, my surgeon concurs although he would prefer I have the R-N-Y rather than sleeve, but the sleeve makes the most sense to me. Anyway, thanks again for your comments!! I'll keep you posted on how it all comes out.

Sorry to hear of your accident and surgery. I haven't had the surgery yet, but have been doing all the pre-surgery stuff so I'm no help in regard to how much you can expect to lose at this point. SparkPeople is also a great site for tracking nutrition and exercise. I especially like it for figuring nutritional information for any recipes I make. Good luck!

Sugar Bomb, Try unjury Protein powders. I've been drinking them for a couple of months now for Breakfast and lunch, Monday-Friday. Granted, I'm pre-surgery and this was my decision to do, it was not a recommendation by the surgeon I've seen to discuss having surgery. I have found these shakes filling and satisfying enough, and they've been very easy to do while at work. On the weekends I drink one shake a day and eat typical meals. I started using Unjury because I was having such a hard time getting enough protein each day; these shakes make all the difference. Unjury guarantees their product so if you don't like it, you can send it back. Pay attention to the instructions, especially if you use the chicken Soup powder. Experiment with flavor combinations and try other's suggestions (on the website). I'm thankful that a co-worker told me about Unjury otherwise I'd never have tried it. Good luck!!