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Congratulations Shanda! So happy to hear everything went well. Keep up your great recovery! Hugs, JoAnne

I received this information from my dietician at the Center for Weight Management & Wellness. Hope you don't mind me sharing. ?Protein choice should provide at least 10 grams of protein in 4oz of liquid. Whey protein is the best protein for fat loss during energy-restricted diets, when combined with exercise. Quality whey protein isolate has benefits including providing intact immunoglobulins to support immune function, providing the highest concentration of BCAA?s (branched chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine which play a key role in the muscle building process-about 25%). It also has a high BV (biological value) which means it is readily absorbed and utilized by human muscle tissue. BUYER BEWARE: Another ?low quality? ingredient popping up in Protein drinks, bars and bullets is hydrolyzed collagen protein, also known as Gelatin. This is an incomplete protein that is really cheap. If this protein is in the protein blend of your shake, I would be cautious especially if it?s one of the main sources of protein. Hydrolyzed collagen does have some benefits in terms of joint and skin health but not much for building quality muscle. Do not buy New Whey Liquid Protein bullets or protein shots.? Hugs, JoAnne

My story is similar to many out here. I?m 53 and have fought weight issues my entire life. Childhood through high school was hell. The summer before college, I lost a lot of weight and started my freshmen year looking ?normal?. I was able to maintain the ?normal? range for several years, then began the yo-yoing after marriage. Had 2 children, and then this wonder drug called Fen Phen became a hot item. Again, I became semi-normal, until the risks outweighed the benefits. Since that time, I have gained over 85 lbs and just can?t seem to loose it. Several years ago, I started looking into WLS, specifically the band. After doing the research on the band, and following several individual blogs and forums, I knew the band was not for me. Earlier this year, while cruising the WLS boards, I stumbled on the Sleeve. This option looked encouraging to me and I started the research. I felt like my prayers had been answered. Additionally, I had gained more weight and reached the BMI required by my insurance company for WLS without requiring other medical conditions. I found a highly qualified surgeon who has an excellent pre and post surgery program, and have begun the clearance process. To date, I have been blessed and everything has been falling into place. My PCP fully supports me. The psychiatrist and cardiologist I went to also support my decision for WLS. So what is my problem? I?m scared to death that I will fail again even with the sleeve. I know that the sleeve is only a tool, and I will have to do the work required to make this successful. But what if I fail like I have so many times before? Honestly, I?m not trying to set myself up for failure. I?m just scared in getting my hopes up for ever being a ?normal? weight (not to be confused with the Hollywood standard). Looking at the accomplishments of MacMadam, Wasa and others, I feel I can?t go wrong. But then, I?ve said that every time I?ve started some sort of weight loss program. Is this paranoia to be expected? Any words of wisdom from those that have been there done that? Thanks in advance for your kind words and support. Hugs, JoAnne

Thanks to all for your insightful input. You have reminded me why I chose the sleeve in the first place. I need to make up a cheat sheet of all the Pros, and pull it out whenever the "scared" feelings stir. I really am up for the challenges and lifestyle changes required to make the sleeve successful. In the past 2 months, I have replaced all soda with water/crystal light. Huge accomplishment for a diet soda junkie of 30 years! Hopefully in the next 6 - 8 weeks I will have completed all the requirements, received approval from insurance, and have a surgery date. Again, thanks for taking the time to respond to me and I look forward to sharing my journey with you. Hugs, JoAnne

Yes, Hopkins are still looking for VSG candidates. I called last week, and they emailed me the packet. Give them a call, and good luck.

I am currently in the process of visiting all the doctors that are required during this journey. My research and gut tell me the Sleeve is for me. However, my surgeon specializes in RNY but will do the Sleeve if that's what I want. I keep second guessing myself that I might do better with RNY. I just don't like all the complications associated with RNY, especially the long term (3 - 5+ years). This thread has convinced me that the Sleeve is the way to go. I will be successful with the Sleeve! Thanks to all for your invaluable input. Blessings, JoAnne