I went to a nutritionist this week to get a weight-loss plan and she highly recommended bariatric surgery. I hadn't realized that I qualified for it, but now that I do, I'm highly considering going the sleeve route. This idea was just introduced to me a couple days ago, so I haven't done too much research on it yet. I'm going to an informative meeting the hospital has tomorrow, but I'd like to get a take from some people who have gone through the surgery already.

Do you have any regrets? If so, what are they? Any advice for a newbie from someone who has gone through it all? What is the worst part of the whole process? The best?

Sorry if I'm not posting this in the right area, obviously I'm new to this whole thing. Any thoughts would be greatly greatly appreciated.

Thanks, and I can't wait to get to know everyone here

Only regret I had was why I didn't pursue it sooner. I'm 3 months post op, had it do e April 18. At my heaviest I was 284lbs and wore a size 24. Today I'm 209 lbs and wearing a size 18, getting close to 16. First 3 days post op were awful, but I got through it and NEVER looked back! I'm so happy, healthy and just feel amazing. Recently joined a gym and got a trainer. I'm amazed at my new stamina and drive to go and work out. I feel normal for the first time ever. The pre op diet is tough and I struggled, but no regrets!! Going to be getti g on a plane in few weeks and looking forward to it I stead of dreading the flight. I'll finally be able to fit in the seat comfortably. Hope this helps!

Wow, thank you so much for the feedback everyone! Luckysmomma, as I'm not as researched as I should be on the topic this might be a dumb question, but aren't your food options still restricted at 4 months post-op? Maybe closer to the 9-12 month mark when you can eat more "normal" foods it would be better socially, emotionally, etc? Not trying to negate your feelings, just a genuine question I'm sorry you're not happy with your decision but I really appreciate hearing some negative feedback about the surgery as well, as it makes me consider all of the consequences.

A quick update on my journey... I went to an informational meeting about it at the hospital Saturday, and received the necessary referral from my primary care physician today! I have an appointment to meet with the surgeon next week! Can anyone tell me what comes after that? Now that it seems the process is underway, I will start looking into Protein shakes as many of you have suggested. Any favorites out there? Is there a minimum amount of protein that needs to be in them? Thanks again everyone

At the appointment with the surgeon you will be told what is needed in the way of medical tests, specialist consultations, and physical and nutritional education. That will be your roadmap up until the surgery itself. The physical and nutritional education give you your roadmaps for pre and post op diets and exercise. You are on your way!

My nutritionist said the body won't process more than about 20-25 grams of Protein at a time and that drinks with more protein don't provide any additional benefit. Also, I wouldn't go crazy buying lots of protein supplements. You may be able to get most of your protein from real food after a relatively short period of time.

Thank you!

This is not a regret, but because of the surgery my baby making plans are put on hold for 6-12 months. My baby is 15 months old and we originally wanted to have another child when he was 2ish, but now it will be about 3ish.

Other than that, I had a rough night and next day after surgery because they could not get my nausea under control. I threw up a lot, which didn't hurt as much as you think it would right after abdominal surgery. I am also a wimp when it comes to the type of pain you have after surgery, but even so, at almost 4 weeks post op I am very glad I had this surgery. It's amazing how dropping almost 30 pounds pretty quickly can make you feel.

Wow, thank you so much for the feedback everyone! Luckysmomma, as I'm not as researched as I should be on the topic this might be a dumb question, but aren't your food options still restricted at 4 months post-op? Maybe closer to the 9-12 month mark when you can eat more "normal" foods it would be better socially, emotionally, etc? Not trying to negate your feelings, just a genuine question I'm sorry you're not happy with your decision but I really appreciate hearing some negative feedback about the surgery as well, as it makes me consider all of the consequences.

A quick update on my journey... I went to an informational meeting about it at the hospital Saturday, and received the necessary referral from my primary care physician today! I have an appointment to meet with the surgeon next week! Can anyone tell me what comes after that? Now that it seems the process is underway, I will start looking into Protein shakes as many of you have suggested. Any favorites out there? Is there a minimum amount of protein that needs to be in them? Thanks again everyone

I had surgery on September 26th, 2012. After a month I only had restrictions on eating seeds and nuts. No seeds or nuts for 6 months. Other than that I was allowed to eat anything I can tolerate but was told to try to keep the fat grams to under 5 grams of fat and to avoid simple sugars. Otherwise, I can eat what I want. I eat a lot of grilled chicken, Beans, and corn tortillas. We also eat a lot of tomatoes, green peppers and onions.