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I completely relate to all of your feelings about this! I first started looking into WLS 15 years before I actually went through with it. I considered it many times over the course of those years, but the reason it took me so long to go through with it was exactly what you said -- I hated the thought of giving up everything that I loved. I couldn't imagine not eating a whole Red Baron pizza every week, or giving up my diet sodas. But I eventually reached a point where I had to choose between my health and continuing to eat the way I wanted, and that's when I went through with the surgery. The first few months (including the pre-op diet) are HARD. It is a huge adjustment to make to your life, especially in the liquid/purees/soft foods stages. Even when you get to the "normal food" stage, it's hard to know what to eat because it feels like everything you want is now off-limits. I still have the occasional pangs of sadness when I see something that looks delicious and realize I can't have it. I think the biggest surprise for me after surgery has been how little I miss my old diet. I have gradually discovered new, healthy recipes and foods that I never even would have tried back when I was eating pizza, french fries, pasta, ice cream, etc. I'm actually enjoying eating healthy food. I don't miss eating rice at all (in case you didn't know, most WLS patients don't eat rice because it expands in the stomach and can be painful) because I have found that cauliflower rice is a great substitute. I didn't even try it until my pre-op diet because I hated cauliflower, and now I eat it several times per week. I recently tried chia seed pudding and learned that I love it! I've started drinking tea since I quit carbonated beverages and now I'm discovering all kinds of delicious teas. I've found some great spice blends and sauces that make vegetables really tasty, and delicious light salad dressings. Can you believe I never tried sriracha before surgery, and now I love it (Huy Fong chili garlic sauce is even better). I'm about 10 months out from surgery, so still in the honeymoon period, but my experience at this point has been that the adjustment to my diet has been easier than I expected. The hard part for me has been making time in my life to take care of myself and my health because I didn't really exercise before surgery, and now I'm devoting over an hour per day to it. I went years without ever going to a doctor (other than the dentist) and now I have to go a few times per year, get periodic bloodwork, keep my prescriptions filled, etc. I have to take my vitamins every day. It can all be a burden, but the tradeoff is that I am in the best health of my adult life, and not obese for the first time in my adult life. I'm not saying that WLS is right for everyone, but you know all the reasons you have decided to do this and whether it's worth all of the changes you'll have to make. Good luck!

@@Tomojac, I struggle as well. My surgeon would like me to get in 70 grams and I don't even come close. I was drinking premier Protein after I had surgery and was doing okay. Then I ended up back in the hospital last month for six days and when I got out I just cant seem to find a shake that I like. I have tried at least 10, or so it seems.

I'm 10 days post op and have low energy wondering if there's anything I should be doing that could help with that??! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using the BariatricPal App

I'm in the U.K. Surgery on 11th July Start my pre op diet tomorrow. Don't have to do 14 days,only 10 as BMI is 32 I'm nervous and hope I can stick to the pre op diet.

April 9th, 45 pre and post op. I have been at a stand still until last week and the scale is moving a bit know. I go for my 3rd fill on 02/25/10. After my last fill, Friday, I can feel a little restriction. It really lets me know it is there if I eat to fast and dont chew, Ouchers!!!!

My doctor said that the fill can "register" in 1-10 days. He said they do not know why that is, but it is really common.

My husband and I are both over 8 weeks out and could not be happier. Over 40 lbs. down each. I used to envy a man I admired for saying I eat to live, I don't live to eat. I swear I can now say that and mean it. I don't have that screaming pain my my stomach anymore that says feed me! Good job everyone. I wish I could have had the sleeve 10 years ago, not at 66. But thankful still.

If you turn out to be a person like my husband and I who want to gag from the sight of a Protein shake at one month out from surgery you want more bang for your buck so to speak. I want it to have more protein so I do not have to force myself to drink as much. That is a lot of drinks to reach goal on the liquid stage with only 10 grams. Also something to keep in mind. I really liked some drinks and textures pre surgery after it was no go on those items. Gritty may not be a good texture on new tummy but then again may be perfect for you. Protein Drinks are very individual what you like everyone around you may hate. My husband and I drink very different things. I would not invest in huge quantities of anything and save samples to experiment with after as well as before to help with tastebud changes.

Hi! i live in the Katy Area. I'm with Aetna and they require 3 months of wt mgmt vists and 2 nutrition visits. So, I completed mine 9/8 and on 9/14 got the call back that Incurance had approved the surgery - so I got scheduled for 10/16. Can I tell you I cried like a baby? Can't say I don't know why , so when the crying was done- I got really nervous and for a week postponed the pre-op. So I have to do AT LEAST 2 weeks of 2 protein shaeks, 6-8oz of protein and green vegetables. So the preop sucks:thumbdown:BUT I don't get hungry! The protein really keeps me satisfied- I definitely wish I had someone that I could go through this with- BUT hang in there the D-Day cometh!

Hello !! chicagowinter I have just read your post !! Hope all goes well with all ya'll --------------------------------------------------- I am just now trying to get my LAP-BAND .. My ins-denyed me also .. So i am trying to raise the Money on my own through cooking sale and just friends and famliy helping out anyway they can .. ( I have already set in on Dr,Bagnato's Meeting about the surgery.) I fill good about it so far .. He seem's to be very nice . First time i have ever met him .. I will be going to Dr.Smith's meeting on 2-27-10 to check things out with him .. I really wont this Surgery , my health is starting to give me a fit ..... I have just signed on at this site and i will be back to keep ya'll updated .. I have enjoyed ya'lls and other post i have read so far .PRAYERS is out to all .. PLEASE SEND PRAYERS back my way think's. ------------------------------------------------:redface:

Each Dr is diff in his/her instructions in eating plan after surgery - some go to food right away - some have to do Clear liquids for 2 weeks - then full liquids - mushies - soft and then regular.. I had 10 days eat phase - came home from hospital on full liquids. Each of us has to follow what our doc's orders Enchillda ok choice imho as I don't think except for maybe a shrimp cocktail there aren't alot of healthy choices when eating Mexican.. W I doubt it was the fat - I think you may have over eaten or the cheese got all gummed up - sometimes with cheese that is super stringy - I will get stuck and I'm almost 3 yrs out.. I don't eat out often - maybe once or twice a month and when I do these are my treat times You have to remember this isn't a diet - but a lifestyle change - you gotta have some of your fav foods every now and then.. Oh just thought of a healthier choice - Maybe Tortilla Soup but again - when I go out - it's my treat timee I go out I eat 1/2 of my taco and 1/2 enchillad and some bean..

Are you working with a surgeon? They did most of the work for me. I did not have a constant BMI of 40 over the past 2 years, acutally I had lost and gained about 70 lbs over a 3 year period. I think that may have been the thing that sealed the deal. do you have any co morbidities? That is also important! If your bmi has ever been high in the past and you gained the weight back. Look back over your records. I actually paid to have all my records copied so I could look back about 10 years.

Thought I'd share a couple of pics Went through a small stall but starting to drop again slowly - was 132kg on Op date 11/1/2017 now 101.1kg 19/04/2017 Feeling pretty good about life again

I'm a carbaholic and have pcos. But it started in college when I moved away from my mother who is controlling and a freak about food. She taught me to hide what I'm eating or she would judge me from age 8 on. when I went to college I met pizza, beer, and frat parties. I enjoyed it immensely. I gained 50 lbs in 4 years. ugh. I lost 10 gain 15, etc. repeat, relather... I believe I've always rebelled and ate what I wanted b/c of my mother's behavior. But I'm an adult and I'm responsible now. Losing weight got to hard and I've been raising small children. I gave up. Now I'm ready, and I'm now 3 days post op. I pray this works for me.

I have United Health Care and I was told in April/May that I was covered for the lap band or the sleeve. The sleeve is what I wanted so I started my 6 month supervised diet that UHC required and got all the medical clearances for surgery that my surgeon required along with the NUT visit, the psy eval etc. I was finished up with everything in October and UHC promptly denied me....I couldn't believe it! I have pseudotumor cerebri and have basically had a constant migraine for about 10 years. The insurance company said that wasn't a co-morbidity. My surgeon had to call the insurance company and have the decision reversed.

My husband and I eat out usually once aweek! We have 7 kids so thats like our little break for the week.So due to the 2 week liquid diet and my surgery which is 10 days old, he misses that dinner out with me! What do you bandsters order when u eat out????/

I have a sore abdomen, like I've been doing crunches for a while. And I get occasional gas pain but it's not unbearable. (Surgery 10/03) Sent from my SM-G920P using BariatricPal mobile app

Try carnation breakfast. U can mix it with skim milk and make it the taste and consistancy you like. When u mix with skim milk it gives about 16 grams of protien and doesn't have to taste thick and nasty. Hang in tjere on the liquid diet. Mine was 10 days too and it is hard. Try French onion. Soup the broth is very flavorful and make some jello jiigglers! Makes it seem like you have something to chew on. I am in the hospital now had surgery on Friday. So far so good.

I am an American living in Saudi Arabia for the past 2 years. My husband found an amazing opportunity here. So here I am after 2 years of living here and I decide to get the surgery. I have been battling alot of back pain and I was clearly overweight. I lied to myself over and over about my weight because I am 5ft 10. Everyone seems to compliment me and say how pretty I am and I shouldn't worry because I'm tall. So one day my neighbor told me her and her husband got it done but to not tell a soul. SHe is an Arab professional and she recommended her doctor and had advised me to do my own research. I made an appt with the doctor for the following month which was January 13th 2016. My husband and I talked about it and he looked at me and said,"if this will make you happier healthier and take this pressure off then let's do it" we prayed about it and then did it. We paid 6000 u.s dollars from our pocket. Can you say cheap? They were very nice people. They treated me with auch kindness. recovery was a nightmare the first 5 days but it got better. I'm having other difficulties now but maybe I should put it in a different post. I weight in at surgery at 243 I am now 221. In only 14 days!! Woohoo

I think you're the perfect age to get control of your life & weight. I'm 32 for years I thought surgery was the "easy way out " I could do it on my own even though I struggled with my weight since 19 when I had my daughter. I would lose and gain the same 20lbs. I was following people weight loss journeys on IG when I came across a girl who had vsg I educated myself on the surgery & after a long journey in getting it next week 2/16. I'm scared , anxious, excited & kinda of in disbelief but I think it's a new start for me. Good luck Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Well I started my liquid diet yesterday, but my surgery isn't until 2/10/08 so I am thinking to myself ...maybe this isn't right. I call the doctor and the RN calls back telling me I don't have to start til 1/21/08......I am SO EXICITED that I can have food! By the way I am using the Carnation instant breakfast no sugar too...I don't mind it. Good luck to all of you!

I had my first fill yesterday and was so relieved! Had been really dreading it but it was a breeze. Hardly felt needle at all felt fluid going in but didn't hurt. I found out i have band that had 2cc already when put in and he put 1cc in yesterday. It can hold up to 10-11cc. i felt alittle tightness in chest & had some gas pain again like when first got band but today is gone.My doctor said get appointment for next fill for 1 month. They don't use fluro but he got it first time. i have to stay on mushies today but then solid food. I am excited about being on solids but am little worried about trying some foods. I was banded on aug 15th have lost 24 lbs total. August Bansters Go! It is worth it. Feeling so glad i did this. Wishing everyone good fills and success in the rest of our bandsters journeys.

Hello everyone. My band was done on August 13th, '07 at 10:30 at night by Dr. Rodriguez. Although it was so late, it was a good surgery. My first fill is scheduled for Novermer 25th. I should be ready for a second fill by then. Can anyone in or around Kansas City tell me if there is anyone that could possibly get me in before then. Malley is where I am scheduled. Help!!!

Class starts this Friday night 5 - 10 p.m. in a classroom. Then all day Saturday and Sunday outside. They keep testing till everyone passes the DMV tests. They'll give me an endorsement, so Monday I'll take it to the DMV and trade it for my license if all goes well. By this time next week I should be street legal. Chris doesn't like it. He's been so excited to see me enjoying the bike. He couldn't wait to get me in a leather jacket. He's trilled that I'm starting to accept the bike... but now he's getting really worried because the time is almost here that I'll be able to ride it alone, far, far away from him. He's starting to wring his hands. Tsk, tsk, tsk.