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I think most programs ask us to get psych clearance--I know I had to. It was kind of pro-forma for me, but I'd imagine you might want to be sure that you're in a good place to make the most of the surgery and changes to come. Don't let this stop you! jump through the hoops your doctor asks you to jump through . . . Good luck.

I'm so sorry for all that you have been going through. The basic advice I keep seeing is to go back to the basics--protein shakes, plenty of water, eating protein, following the rules . . . hope you can do this for yourself. Good luck!

I'm not until the 28th but I know exactly what you mean about it starting to feel real!!

I think Berry78 is spot on--you can increase your calories without adding "bad" food choices--just more of the good things. If you have a bit more cheese or nuts or veggies with butter or another piece of fruit, you'll definitely be adding calories without blowing the plan. I'm still so early in the process I haven't thought much about maintenance--seems so far away--but I'm always happy to read good advice here for the future.

Even a pound a week means that you will be at goal in less than two years . . . won't that be fantastic?! It's more important to stay on the path and get where you want to go than to compare your progress with anyone else's. You're unique!

I started gaining weight in my late 20s after a car accident. No real problems other than obesity for a decade or so, then high blood pressure. Became diabetic in my 50s. Developed excruciating knee pain about six months ago (I'm 61). Not sure when my sleep quality went downhill . . . also have had acid reflux/GERD, had cancer two years ago. You didn't say what age you are, so I don't know if you're lucky or just young. But it's very rate to be obese and otherwise healthy long term, and, as someone else pointed out, how many obese people in their 80s do you see??

In addition to what everyone above said, I just want to say {{{hugs}}}. Let your rational mind dominate your feelings here, because it's right. This isn't a magic fix, this is a tool to help us fight the fight more evenly and have a chance of winning for a change. Why wouldn't we do it?

Here's the basic list: Water Broth Jell-O Decaf tea Decaf coffee Sugar free Popsicles Sugar free drinks that are not carbonated (This list was taken from the obesitycoverage.com website), but it also reflects what I've read on many, many posts here. For the sugar-free drinks, try Crystal Light for flavoring. I think you can also have protein water during this phase . . . otherwise, only the broth has any protein, I think. At any rate, as soon as you move to the full liquid diet, it adds quite a bit--protein shakes, sugar-free pudding, cream soups, nonfat yogurt, and so on.

Just wanted to say good luck to the first batch of August sleevers! My surgery isn't until the 28th but that's starting to seem really close. Took care of two appointments yesterday (pulmonary follow-up and second group meeting) and my ride home messed up; I spent 2.5 hours on hold getting another ride lined up and didn't get home until midnight! Appointment today for ortho shots in my knees. I'm definitely looking forward to a future with many fewer doctors' appointments. Not to mention fewer prescriptions, less poking myself for glucose testing and insulin shots, better sleep, less knee pain . . . I'm not nervous about the surgery at all. Bring it on.

I'm willing to accept the reality that people come with a wide range of pain tolerance, for one thing; another is that people apparently may experience a range of minor complications, from gas to inability to swallow easily to constipation. Or not, which is great for those who don't have those issues. For a lot of people, this is the first major surgery they've had. I've had six surgeries, including an open hysterectomy, and I know that some are definitely worse than others (e.g., I also had my gall bladder out, and that was quite easy). Yes, this can be considered something each of us agreed to, but the original question opens the portal for anything someone wasn't expecting. Virtually no one in this thread (or on this site, for that matter) has said they would have chosen NOT to have the surgery. As far as I'm concerned, anything anyone says that can help me be prepared for what *might* happen is all good information. But the only people I get a little testy with are the ones who say things like "I'm hardly losing weight at all, and I've been following the plan pretty closely, except for those three doughnuts I had . . ."

I have to ask . . . what other surgeries have you had? Was there any complication that caused the pain? I'm expecting it to be minimal, but of course there can always be surprises . . .

I had mine out about 20 years ago; laprascopically. Terrible attacks beforehand would keep me up half the night. Surgery was not bad at all; I was up at midnight the same day making scrambled eggs. Had no issues at all with what I've eaten since. Do not miss it even a little bit!

I'll admit that my immediate reaction to your post was "she's not ready yet." I don't know if I'm correct; I don't know your whole story. At the very least, I'll definitely echo the advice to be completely honest with your surgeon. This is a big step and reservations are natural, but maybe it really isn't something you're ready for. What else have you tried? Have you seen a psychologist for counseling? There are a ton of people (no pun intended) on here who are very happy they've had this surgery . . . and I'm sure it's the right step for ME, but my situation is not yours (and definitely my age isn't). Good luck . . . decide what's right for you and do that. If not now, maybe in a month or a year or five years, WLS might be right.

I think I'm going to be looking for some protein water--if the thick shakes bother me, that's an option I'd like to have. But i'm pre-op and know nothing yet!

Hi, I'm in NY state, in the Catskills, but lived in PA years ago (Carbondale and then State College). I'd encourage you to spend some time on this site--there's a HUGE variety of topics discussed. And for sheer encouragement when you want or need it, check out some of the threads of before/after pictures! Sooooo inspiring!

Maybe you can find/try protein water? Just a thought . . .

I just signed up for My Fitness Pal--it looks useful and I'll just be using it on my laptop, as I don't have a smartphone, etc. I think it's going to teach me some new things, but I also think it's important just to be aware and track, whatever app you use.

From your mouth to . . . I have to say, this is an encouraging post. I had my gall bladder out years ago, and I would be thrilled if this was even easier--I was up at midnight the day of that surgery, scrambling eggs because I was hungry! Now, I know I won't be doing that . . . I did have an open hysterectomy a couple of years ago, and I'm fairly confident this will be easier than that was.

Will also mention that the sleeve has a diabetes remission rate of 84 percent, so the odds are pretty good with all the surgeries suggested. (I'm diabetic, so this matters to me.) The bottom line is that losing a fair amount of weight is almost certainly going to help with diabetes issues, as well as a host of other problems: I'm personally hoping for pain relief where my knees are concerned or, at least, being able to have them replaced, which the ortho guy won't do when I'm at this weight. I think the advice is good to check out what's said about all the different surgeries and, together with the doctor's advice, make a decision that way. This site has an amazing amount of information and opinions, as well as fun things like before/after pictures. Read as much as you can to help you decide.

Oh, okay, I understand. Most of the things I've read on here have been very positive about the experience of getting it done in Mexico. I hope you can come to a decision that will make you and your family both comfortable. Good luck!

I'm a little confused . . . if you haven't decided on a doctor yet, have you completed all the preparatory tests, visits with a nutritionist, group meetings, psych and cardiac and other clearances? I'm just wondering how you can be certain it'll happen in August?

I'm tentatively scheduled for August 28; I still have an upper endoscopy, an at-home sleep study, another group meeting, and clearance from my primary doctor to go. My program is extremely thorough: I've already done cardiac and psych clearance, nutrition visit, first group meeting, a GI test . . . whatever hoop I'm told to jump through, I jump. I feel fortunate that my pre-op diet is two shakes a day and a "real" meal for dinner--lean protein, veggies, a piece of fruit. It seems like a gift compared with the totally liquid diets so many programs require. But I have great faith in my surgeon and the program. Best of luck to everyone!

I'm sure I was beautiful at 8 pounds, 12 ounces, but a lot has happened since then . . . I'm concerned about the hanging skin issue and know I won't be able to afford plastics, but, like gwbicster, my health concerns beat that consideration by a mile. Added to the mix is that I have a friend who likes my body the way it is now, and I'm worried that he won't be as affectionate when it changes. But my health concerns still top the list of considerations.

Thank you all . . . this is very helpful.

I've read over and over that you should not even weigh yourself right after surgery--you retain water and are swollen and so on, so won't see immediate loss--you may even gain some weight initially. Just keep on with the plan and it will work!