Hi all, I joined this forum in 2011 anticipating surgery, but my employer's insurance would not approve, but then I came down with leukemia and that totally shot it out of the Water. But I am back and hope it will be happening before the end of the year, with Medicare since I had to stop working.

I am looking for anyone who has been sleeved or going to be for support and encouragement.

I hope some will pick this group to communicate with others.

@@traveler60 , what great progress in just 2 months!

Edited January 4, 201511 yr by SimplySue

NSV- Went shopping today & was able to shop in the regular woman's area, NOT the PLUS sizes????

Edited January 5, 201511 yr by SimplySue

@@SimplySue Congrts! That is so awesome!!! I can't wait until I can do that, I think I have been shopping in plus size for over 25 years! ugghhh But just something else to look forward to in the new year!

@@SimplySue That is a great accomplishment! Congrats

Our postings are noted as HOT !! Way to go !!

@@mjmboston , you will get there- I have about 2 months ahead of you.

& thank you @@traveler60

Edited January 7, 201511 yr by SimplySue

Hi All, Happy New Year! Sorry I've been silent for awhile - holidays and work. Hope you all had a great holiday season.

@@NavyMom2006, it was very quiet over the holidays, but I think everyone is getting back to normal. How are you doing ?

Lainie

Hello!

I am 57 years old and am jumping through hoops hoping to schedule a VA in March. I also have type 1 diabetes. I am beginning to wean myself off diet coke and caffeine and exercising.

I would appreciate any words of wisdom you have to offer.

Does anyone have suggestions about protein powders?

VSG NOT VA

Thanks Kathy and Queen. I like this little group, I get lost on the main forum. Never can find where I posted, lol. And have the two perfect people here to follow. You Kathy, being sleeved in October and Queen, a veteran. I was looking for a small support group, hope this is it.

Kathy, I have been in remission for 3 years. I was lucky, I had the type of leukemia that is curable. I spent a month in the hospital, lost 40 lbs and my hair. Needless to say, I have lots of hats. I feel very blessed !!

I am 59 and retired on disability due to leukemia and my back. My back is horrible. I have to use a walker as the pain is so intense I can't walk without it. I need two surgeries and have to lose 70 lbs. This is the only way I feel I can succeed. But outside of the 70, there is 100 more

Kathy are you going to be on a pre-op diet. Tell us about it, it seems that everyone does something different.

Queen, I never hear anyone talking much about exercise afterward. I'm a little worried if I don't that it will slow down my loss. I can walk with my walker but not too far. I hope that this surgery will help me get off the walker, hate that thing.

Would also like to know what protein you used. I've been trying some out. Ok, enough questions for one night.

Hope to see you both back here. Queen, will check out your blog !

Are you able to use a stationary bike?that would be easier on your back.

@@LisaGB, welcome Lisa! I had my surgery almost three months ago and it is truly one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. Wishing you success with yours.

As far as protein powders. I tried quite a few. The one I preferred the most was Unjury(vanilla). However,my favorite was the rtd's(ready to drink ) protein shakes by Premier. I drank the vanilla flavor, I didn't care for the chocolate, but obviously it a matter of personal preference.

On this thread someone mentioned a protein powder that had no aftertaste and I believe it is unflavored. Quite a few people on BP highly recommend it. Sorry, I don't recall the name of it, hopefully someone else in this group can help.

Feel free to ask questions .

Welcome Lisa! I would write a little longer but phone says 1% battery life so best wishes on the start of your journey

@ LisaGB: First I was 58 (just turned 58) when I had my surgery and my life has changed drastically!!! So don't worry one bit that you think you might be too old....like most people on here our only regret is that this surgery wasn't available when we were younger...but believe me, I am making the most out of every day now!!! If you are looking for inspiration, read some blogs...they were so helpful to me. I kept a blog every Sunday for the first year so you can see a little what to expect. You can see it at http://www.queenofcrop.com/about/%C2'> Then when you read that page you can decide if you want to start at the beginning which I recommend. I started writing again a few months ago, but it is in a direction that is not for everyone....the first year is all about the weight loss.

For protein powder, I started using one that was recommended here and it is far, far superior to any other in my opinion. I cannot tell you how many PP I threw out!!!! This one has NO FLAVOR and 30 grams of protein. You can order it from Amazon. It's called GENEPRO Molecular Tri-Protein Peptide. Don't waste you money on other things.

As far as exercising.....start slow...get some weights and just use them when you are sitting down. I have read about many others who were on walkers and after the first month they had a Walker Burning Party!!!! You will do just fine and I suspect your diabetes will be history too!