Hi Taylor. I can relate to the 911 and shift work story. After my 20-year marriage went south - I moved to a new town and started with the State Police as a dispatcher. The graveyard shift was a killer because I am definately a morning person.

Good for you on having the suregery at 21. My only regret is that the VSG wasn't around 30 years ago. I've been obese for way too long and it's time to do something serious and positive for myself. I'm not scheduled until Sep 2. I work in HR and can't get away until the summer is over. In the meantime -- I'm having at least one meal replacement shake each day and I've gone through all of my cupboards and gave all of my "carbed" goods to my daughters. I had lots of pancake, cake, rice and potato mixes.

Did you measure everything when you first had your sleeve - I mean actually measure a 2 oz drink before you used a straw? Can you take a normal swallow of liquid or do you have to sip everything at first?

HI Taylor,

Congrats on your weight loss thus far! That is fantastic. I am so excited for you. I am a nurse and work night shift (7:00 PM to 7:30 AM) so I know what you mean about night shift. But I am a night person, and don't think I could tolerate a day job after 38 years of working primarily night shift. I have to second Gardendiva3's comments, I wish VSG has been around 30-40 years ago. I have spent my entire life fat, trying every program, pill, exercise program, etc to loose weight without success. I have finally found something that is going to work, and I am committed to it for life!

I am two weeks out from my surgery, and have lost 34 pounds so far. 20 of that was on the pre-op diet, fourteen since surgery. It is such a thrill to get up in the morning and get on the scale! I can hardly wait to get to my laptop and update my weight loss ticker! I am so looking forward to being several months out from surgery! Even though I have lost 34 pounds, none of my clothes look any looser than they did before surgery! It is frustrating. But I am holding fast to the idea that soon my body will get the message and start to "contract" with the weight loss. At least I hope that is the case.

Again, let me offer you my congratulations. You are doing great!