I've recently begun changing my mind after being dead set on the Lap Band for the last 2 years. I'm doing some final research and the more I see band to sleeve revisions, the more I am changing my mind.

If I go with the sleeve, will I have to drink Protein drinks for the rest of my life?

What is a day in the life of someone who's been sleeved say, 2 years, 3 years, 5 years - what's it like for you once you've met your weight loss goal?

Whether you drink Protein drinks or not will depend on how much protein you are able to get in. During the healing stage my Doc requires 80g of protein. So, I drink two shakes in a day for 70g and then I'm getting around 25g from food. After the healing stage is over the normal protein requirements for a woman is around 60g a day. If you focus on protein first than you should be able to get it from your food. I'm only 6 weeks out and the most food I can handle is about 2oz. Right now tuna is my "go to" food because 2.5oz contains 16g of protein.

Good luck with your journey!

I am only two months out but already I am finding there are days when I don't have to drink a shake because I have eaten all the Protein I needed for the day. Some days only half a shake is needed. I prefer it that way versus what I could be going through being banded. My restriction still feels super tight. As I get further out and can eat more ounces of food at a time I won't need the shakes at all so says the surgeon.

My older sister had lap band with plication. She gets fills every couple months. She says they sting pretty painfully. She has to be on Clear liquids for 2 days after every fill. And then there is a chance one day the band will slip and the percentage of stretching the placated stomach years down the line causing weight regain are greater as they fold the stomach over instead of removing it.

I have other friends who were banded and one throws up constantly, the other didn't lose near what she wanted to, third lost her insurance due to changing jobs and moving and couldn't afford the fills so she is gaining her weight back. Only number 4 is happy with hers. My mother n law had bypass and got down to a size 8, is now asking for my plus size clothes that don't fit as she has gained her weight back. I really believe I made the right choice for the long term. That being said u must do your part! Then let the sleeve do the rest.

I am doing something I never thought I would...learning to play racquetball! It's so much fun and a great work out! And I owe my sleeve for it. Good luck on your research!

Ok that makes sense, good - I like that answer! Thanks!

You won't necessarily have to drink them forever, as long as you are able to get your Proteins in without them. As for me, well I am three years out and start every day with a Protein shake. I have a cinna-banana Protein Shake I make myself that I love for Breakfast. It is low in calories, high in protein and starts my day off on a good, healthy note and leaves me full of energy.

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I agree. Depends on the protein intake. It's not that hard to get 60-80 in if you're committed. I am a bit lazy and I use the premier protein premade from Costco....yum! As a crutch on days that I need it, sadly, it also solves my choco craving.

How do make the cinammon bananna shakes

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Here is the recipe for the Cinna-Banana Shake:

1 banana

1 scoop vanilla Protein powder

1/4 cup greek plain yogurt

1/2 cup almond milk

1/4 tsp cinnamon

2-4 ice cubes

Blend, pour and enjoy!

I've never been able to tolerate the shakes, even during my two week liquid pre-op diet, and post op I didn't start getting protein in until I was back on solids and could eat meat gain. Shrimp is super high in protein, 4oz has about 25g and only 110 calories - I eat a lot of shrimp. If you can't find a protein you can tolerate, just find a way to make sure you get it all in

Unjury unflavored or about time unflavored are both good. I add them to soups that are not to hot (practicing pre sleeve). As of right now I can not stand the taste of any artificial sweeteners. Well, about time cinna swirl was pretty good and it is flavored with stevia. My plan is to make healthy home made soups, puree them and add the unflavored protein.