Let's get to know each other before our surgery...I'll go first.

My name is Amy (37 years old). I live in central FL with my husband and two kids, 3 yo DS and 4.5 yo DD. I work in IT doing technical writing and operational readiness. I love photography and have a small side business, and when I'm thinner, I really enjoy running and spinning.

I was banded in Nov 2009 at 374 lbs. From my banding until Dec 2011 (2 years), I lost 198 lbs. I was thrilled! Despite the occasional vomit and inability to eat certain foods, I was still 99.9% happy with my band. Right after Christmas this year, however, I got a terrible upper respiratory infection. I coughed and coughed and coughed. I coughed until I puked, which caused a slip.

I got a complete unfill in early January. Once the slip was fixed, I started getting fills. But then my band developed a leak and slipped once again. Since the surgeon I was seeing was less than helpful, I found a new surgeon, Dr. Domkowski, who finally treated me without acting like I was crazy, as my last surgeon did. Based on his recommendations and test results, we decided to do the removal and sleeve in two separate surgeries.

Dr. D removed my band on August 3, 2012. Because of the extent of damage done by the band, including scarring and pulling the fundus through the diaphragm, I am waiting around four months to be sleeved. I'd love to be banded on November 25, which would have been the three year anniversary of my band.

I've gained about 70 lbs since December. Sigh. The good news is my surgeon is not at all concerned about my weight gain. He is 100% convinced that I'll lose it all once I'm sleeved, since I was so successful with the band. I'm a bit of a goody two-shoes, and I followed the rules to a "T", and I intend to do the same with the sleeve.

I hope the next four months fly by!

Gee thanks a lot...it's tough being me! I'm sure I'll been leaning on a many shoulders.

Oh and what brand of protein are you using adorable? 40g protein wow!

CJ its GNC PRO PERFORMANCE LEAN MUSCLE MEAL. I tried to post what it had in it on here but wasnt able to saying that its not enough room I will try again and see If I cant post here.

Ok thanks! I'll use up what I got and be sure to get some of that!

I tried to post it again and still no luck but if you go on GNC's website and type lean muscle in the search window it will bring it up. It comes in a red and black box. If you click on the product it will bring it up scroll down and there will be some tabs underneath it to give you product information.

I will do that. How's the taste? What part of TX, Dallas here.

I am so ready to be Sleeved with no issues!

The taste was really good, not chalkie like other people say about there protein. I've mixed it with water and milk but either way it tasted good to me. I live in Killeen Texas. Yeah Im ready for the sleeve too!!! I've had the band, well still have it now but Im so ready to get this thing out of my body its so not worth the long term trouble and trouble I've had with it. Wish I would have searched all bariatric surgery before getting it because I would have opted for the sleeve in 2009 instead of this band bull...

Yes that's right I did read Killeen. Ok, I will definitely get some. I'm sorry you had trouble with the band perhaps it will be smooth sailing with the sleeve. Have created a myfitnesspal account, if so to can add me? I only created mine yesterday. I think it will be another great tool in deleting FAT! LOL...

Our website is www.circlesewing.com. My favorite type of quilting is scrappy! I just love mixing all the colors. I give the majority of my quilts to the homeless and to women's shelters. I love the look of appliqué quilts, and some of my customers are experts at it....but I don't go there too often. I thought I'd have time to sew at work, not so much! LOL. My customers keep me hopping, and uncle sam's paperwork takes up the rest of my time (heavy sigh). I do sneak in a little sewing though...he he he

I havent tried scrappy quilting although think of it. If I just had more time.....I will have to go check out your store ! I think its awesome that you give your quilts to the needy. I always give mine away but to those that I feel called to.... a different kind of needy : ) My days are going by faster now....only two more days of eating stuff and then I start my pre-op diet . Upper GI on Friday morning.

Pre op appointment is on Monday .... OMG this is actually going to happen!!!

I kinda thought something would keep it from happening but we are a go.

Start pre-op diet on 11/1. Doctor is sending me a bunch of recipes to keep it interesting.

This is going to be interesting to say the least. Liquid protein only for 2 weeks, but I can have

jello and sugar free ice pops. Goal 10 pounds by 11/13... Doable?

I dont know if calories are a concern when dealing with protein and how much protein to get in. I was thinking about 80 grams of protein like with the band, I dont know if thats right? However the protein I use has 250 calories but 40 grams of protein and I dont know if thats going to be bad either being as though we are going to be on pretty much of a liquid diet the first two weeks anyway. How many calories did they say we should consume post-op?? I am a self pay so I wont get any of that information until after the surgery. I kind of wish I went through my insurance to do it but I wouldnt be able to make all the obligations required so thats why im doing a self pay in MX. Any help you guys got would be appreciated thanks!

Hey how many carbs?

My surgery is scheduled for November 7

Hi, My name is Kathy, Im 38 years old and Im from Youngstgown OH. I am having my surgery at St Vincents in Cleveland on November 7. I am ready for this change and to be on my way to a happier and healthier me!!

Hi' date=' My name is Kathy, Im 38 years old and Im from Youngstgown OH. I am having my surgery at St Vincents in Cleveland on November 7. I am ready for this change and to be on my way to a happier and healthier me!![/quote']

Welcome Kathy! Always nice to see someone from northern Ohio!

Hi' date=' My name is Kathy, Im 38 years old and Im from Youngstgown OH. I am having my surgery at St Vincents in Cleveland on November 7. I am ready for this change and to be on my way to a happier and healthier me!![/quote']

I'm the 7th too!! I'm glad we share the date! I'm in Troy, MI. I start my pre-op diet next Wednesday and tonight I will be having my last glass of wine until who-knows-when!!!

Hey how many carbs?

The strawberry and vanilla flavor has 18g chocolate 19g.

Yes that's right I did read Killeen. Ok, I will definitely get some. I'm sorry you had trouble with the band perhaps it will be smooth sailing with the sleeve. Have created a myfitnesspal account, if so to can add me? I only created mine yesterday. I think it will be another great tool in deleting FAT! LOL...

Its okay just one of those things...The only thing I can say is good about the band is it taught me how to eat slow small portions so Im sure I should be right on track with eating with the sleeve. I will make an account and add you I put an app on my ipod so I can track calories, exercise etc. Oh yes Im sure it will not only Delete it but send it to infinity and beyond..LOL!!! We are already winning with making a decision for ourselves so on too the next steps in success!!