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Well, I think I got my answers.. my surgery is Sept. 28th, so Ill definitely have to quit smoking by the first of September. They told us 6 weeks prior is efficient enough, but then I was told by the nurse that she seen patients not stop smoking b4 or after surgery. I need to quit anyway, I've been smoking for over a decade & it's time to seize the nicotine! I deifnitely think I'll try E-cigs! =) Thank you guys for your feedback!!

I'm on the 4th too. Our stories are similar! I'm also in school - getting a Master's. This semester is my last semester of internship and then I will be done. No more working for free for me - lol! I was thinking of putting off surgery until after internship was done, but decided to bite the bullet and just take a couple weeks off. I'm hoping I'll get a job offer from the company I'm working for, and I don't want to take the time off then. Maybe we should start a group or a topic for those of us having surgery on 9/4. We should have a fun name! Star Wars comes to mind...

I am so sorry that you are having a difficult time and I pray that you began to feel better really soon. As long as your not taking in enough fluids, you will feel bad and your body will let you know it. I know it's hard trying to force yourself to drink especially when it causes you to dry heave. Having no appetite and being sensitive to smells makes it extremely difficult to put something in your mouth. Are you dry heaving from reflux? Are you just simply feeling nauseous? As hard as it may be, you're going to have to force yourself to eat and drink. I agree with the earlier posting suggesting that you try some carbs, some sort of caloric intake is necessary. If all else fails, buy some unflavored Pedialyte. They also have the pedialyte freezer pops and powder packs. The makers of Pedialyte also make EleCare in an unflavored powder, this is usually given to babies who can't tolerate whole protein. Ensure makes a clear and a high protein shake, but they still have a milk consistency (if that thickness bothers you, then they might not work). At least if you use some of the pedi products, you may be able to mix them in water and make it tolerable. Source Naturals also makes a Pea Protein Powder that most vegetarians use, it's not milk based or made from animal products so it will be easier to tolerate. I suggest purchasing some of the Pea Protein Powder and pedialyte. You've got to get your fluids and protein in order to start to feel better. As far as the depression goes, it's understandable with what you're going through. You are human and we all experience these emotions. Do not make any DNR decisions while you are in this state. I haven't been sleeved yet, but from reading posts on this forum, I can safely say that things will get better. I have read numerous post where the writer spoke of feeling depressed and wanting to give up because they were feeling so bad, but if you continue reading they always spoke of turning the fence and feeling so much better as time went on. It's still early on so don't beat yourself up to bad. You know that with God, ALL things are POSSIBLE!!!! Keep the faith Jesus says, "if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you" [Matthew 17:20. Remember, we are all here for you, and I just as many other people here on this forum were placed in your life for a reason, lean to God and lean on us! Praying for your speedy recovery!

Great news ! I am scheduled for the 4th also ! Best wishes to you.

E-cigs are awesome, been smoke free since February. You'll love it when you can actually smell how good you smell minus the smoke smell. You will want a cig, but just push through and you'll get through it. I like my ego-c with cartos. I still have to wean off of this eventually, but not till I'm done with my Kona Milkshake and Black Cherry Marshmallow e-juice .

Yaaay, my best friend from high school is having surgery the same day as you! Best of luck on a speedy recovery and keep us posted!

You are supposed to stop smoking pre op...my surgeon requires 1 month no smoking pre op. If he finds out you have been smoking, he will cancel your surgery. No exceptions. There are blood tests to check for nicotine metabolites, and I know my surgeon uses that test for pre op lab work. Smoking interferes with the body's healing process...never a good idea. Why not use this surgery as an opportunity to kick the habit?

I quit smoking 6 months before surgery because I know smoking can not only cause serious complications while under general anesthesia, but it can also severely hinder the healing process. A lot of surgeons require you to be smoke free for a month before surgery and will randomly test your blood for nicotine to make sure you're not smoking during this time. I've had surgeries as a smoker in the past and I can't tell you how much easier it was as a non-smoker. When I smoked, I was on oxygen for 2 days after surgery because my level kept dipping down. I had issues with my incision healing properly and just overall felt horrible. Since quitting, I've had two surgeries, one for Lap Band and one just two weeks ago for a strangulated hernia. I was a non smoker for both, didn't need oxygen after surgery, and my wounds healed so much faster and better.

Velena sounds like you are already off to a good start! It is completely normal to be nervous about surgery. It's awesome that you have your husbands support that is criticial during this type of process. My surgery is Sept 10th and I am on day two of my pre-op diet... Looking forward to my new lifestyle and you will be fine. Update us after surgery... Blann

Being scared is 100% normal!!! The fact that you are starting early shows that you want this and seem to be ready! I started at 320 pounds and was banded in 2009. I struggled with the band and now am having it removed on September 5th. I hope to get the approval for the sleeve for 6 weeks after the band removal. Staying positive is the key to your success, no worries about the weight loss it will come!!! Good luck and keep posting. Angela