I'm 6'4", 340lb, and denied by insurance because of the 1 year doctor-supervised exercise and diet plan. I have HBP, but other than that things are pretty good.

I had originally intended to do the band. In talking with a few people, I found that a neighbor had a VSG and has done great since then. I also know someone else who had a band around the same time and they're not doing so well.

When I told my Dr. self-pay, they steered me towards VSG instead of the band for all the regular reasons (nothing left behind, no fills, etc. etc.). I was originally scheduled for mid-Sept 2010, but a work conflict came up and I had to reschedule. While at the Drs office rescheduling, they said pushing it back would take a month or more, but they could move it forward a couple of weeks, so 08/31/2010 is my surgery date. That day was exactly 1 week before the surgery, so they said "you're officially on clear liquid diet as of right now".

It was quite a surprise... but I can't complain. I was hoping to have one last "favorite meal" or even "one last swig of a diet soda". I got to skip all of the pre-clear-liquid-diet anxiety (it hadn't started yet)!

3 days into the liquid diet and it hasn't been that bad. I wish I would have tried some Protein shakes before-hand. The first one I had I almost sicked-up. It tasted great, but I think my body went into protein overload... I cut the serving-size in half, used Water instead of skim milk, and my next shake was a little more pleasant. I've never "drank" my calories, so Crystal Lite works well for me. Hate the Jello, but it works, and SF popsicles aren't that bad. chicken broth is good, and I got the thumbs-up from my Dr to have Miso Soup (sans anything chunky in it).

Today's almost over - so I've got 3 more days to weather the "clear liquid diet storm".

Wish me luck!

It does sound like you have a stricter doctor than most. I was allowed soda up until the day before surgery. I'm now 4 days out and scared to do anything (including soda drinking) that could cause additional pain or discomfort.

It really helps a lot to have a great support system at home and at work. I had one job shortly after being banded where the girl I worked lunches with would take off for 45 minutes leaving me with a 15 minute lunch and mad. I'd eat what I could because I was starving come back making weird sounds and she would make comments like what did you eat too much? I just wanted to hit her in her head. I had to get away from her she was so miserable and loved to force that on others. She did that to me at least every other day. At least you're lucky to get the post-op time at home.

Best of luck to you!

I'm 6'4", 340lb, and denied by insurance because of the 1 year doctor-supervised exercise and diet plan. I have HBP, but other than that things are pretty good.

I had originally intended to do the band. In talking with a few people, I found that a neighbor had a VSG and has done great since then. I also know someone else who had a band around the same time and they're not doing so well.

When I told my Dr. self-pay, they steered me towards VSG instead of the band for all the regular reasons (nothing left behind, no fills, etc. etc.). I was originally scheduled for mid-Sept 2010, but a work conflict came up and I had to reschedule. While at the Drs office rescheduling, they said pushing it back would take a month or more, but they could move it forward a couple of weeks, so 08/31/2010 is my surgery date. That day was exactly 1 week before the surgery, so they said "you're officially on clear liquid diet as of right now".

It was quite a surprise... but I can't complain. I was hoping to have one last "favorite meal" or even "one last swig of a diet soda". I got to skip all of the pre-clear-liquid-diet anxiety (it hadn't started yet)!

3 days into the liquid diet and it hasn't been that bad. I wish I would have tried some Protein shakes before-hand. The first one I had I almost sicked-up. It tasted great, but I think my body went into protein overload... I cut the serving-size in half, used Water instead of skim milk, and my next shake was a little more pleasant. I've never "drank" my calories, so Crystal Lite works well for me. Hate the Jello, but it works, and SF popsicles aren't that bad. chicken broth is good, and I got the thumbs-up from my Dr to have Miso Soup (sans anything chunky in it).

Today's almost over - so I've got 3 more days to weather the "clear liquid diet storm".

Wish me luck!

Good luck! your going to well just like the rest of us. . of course, your will and determination will have to go into play with the sleeve as well. . it's a fabulous tool, but you have to help it. . . your doing good on the liquids, keep it up. . .next thing you know you'll be giving advice to the newbies!

I got sleeved yesterday afternoon! It was rough for the first few hours after surgery until we got the pain under control. The night was decent. I dozed through most of it except for a 3-4am stint. Took the opp to walk and use the facilities.

Today was a little rough too. Still have enough pain that I will stay one more night. My fault for not asking for more though. Had liquid lortab at 6am and didn't get another until I asked for one at 3:30pm.

I have what feels like big hunger pains that come and go. Talked to my Dr and she says I should be sitting all the way up (edge of bed) when I eat. Will have to try that for dinner. It was nice to get to full liquids!

For those who have had a sleeve: what was the timeframe for pain subsiding? How long until it's just achey instead of painful? Thanks!