Although new to this forum, my weight loss story is as old as sin. I am actually a veteran of the gastric band which was very effective for weight-loss, but a disaster in every other way.

After the birth of my twins and the unexpected death of my brother a month later, I became a compulsive eater. I went on anti depressants which made me feel suicidal and my appetite increased to such an extent, I no longer knew who I was. I felt constant embarrassment at this new body and knew it represented just how out of control my life felt. The sleeve obviously didn't exist at that point, so I got the band and lost the extra weight and then some.

The effect of the band was that I had to live with reflux and pain for ten years, culminating to esophageal dilation and eventually band slippage. I complained to my surgeon that I didn't know how to eat properly because only processed food would go down and he couldnt offer any advice. I lost 80 lbs and looked good, but I knew that I was really very unhealthy. The band was killing me and had to come out. This happened in January 2012, and despite my best efforts to keep the weight off, it has all come back, but has brought with it terrible joint issues with my spine and my knees. I am now using a cane and the only thing that will alleviate this pain is substantial weight-loss. All of the doctors agree that although I have a BMI of 34, surgery is the only way I can guarantee regaining my mobility.

My biggest problem is that I live in France and the doctor-patient relationship and the protocol is very different. For example, there has been no mention of a pre-surgery diet, Protein shakes or anything like that. The nutritionist-endocrinologist has given me supplements to take before and after surgery, but thats it. Given my experience with the band, I would trust the advice from this site more than I would trust the french doctors.

I am having the endoscopy on Friday and my final meeting with the surgeon to get my date. I am very excited and am counting on my new friends for guidance and support.

Best of luck to you and prayers coming your way. Keep us posted.

Wow. Our stories are very similar. I wish you the best of luck kn this sleeve journey.

No pre-op diet? It's supposed to help shrink your liver to make room for what they need to do inside there. It will also give you a head start on the weight loss. I was on a 2 week pre-op diet that consisted of 2 protein shakes a day and 1 meal of lean protein and some veggies. Plenty of water...48-64 oz suggested. Good luck to you.

Think it has to do with being revision and "lower" BMI. I've asked my doc twice and he has said no pre op diet necessary. I put myself on one anyway because I'm just paranoid .

I guess I am most concerned because the diet has not been mentioned, when it seems fundamental for everyone else. As i mentioned, I got little support when I had complications from the band, or for that matter, little support or advice before I had it. I was not on supplements except for the ones I put myself on. I think I will go ahead and put myself on protein shakes just to avoid any problems.