After nearly a decade of lurking, my first post! I'm finally having my VSG!
You sound like me! I joined here in 2005 (lurked before I actually joined too) and I finally got my sleeve on 8/1/16. Welcome and congrats on your decision! Back then I looked into the RNY but didn't like the idea of re-routing my intestines. A lot of the ladies in my support group were always so sick (their fault, dumping) and I didn't like that. About 5 years ago I looked into the lap band because a few friends got one but they weren't successful and ended up with complications. That's why I decided on the sleeve and I couldn't be happier!!
You will get plenty of support around here. Keep us updated and good luck!!!
Sleeved 8/1/16
HW 285 / SW 276 / GW 160
Congratulations, there's lots of room on the loser's bench! 
Referral: September 2014; TWH Orientation: December 9, 2014; Social Worker: March 2015; Nutrition Class: May 5, 2015; Nurse Practitioner: May 20, 2015; Psych Evaluation: August 2015; Nutritionist: September 2015; Meet the Surgeon: November 6, 2015; Pre-Op: December 4, 2015; Scheduled Surgery: December 18, 2015; HW 367; SW 341
HI Cathy,
Like you, it took me time to realize it was time to commit and go for bariatric surgery. Five years ago I was set but backed out just weeks before my surgical date.
I also have a laundry list of ailments that forced me to retire 3 years early and not be an active participant in my own life. I am pre-diabetic, I have high cholesterol and triglycerides (which meds do not help), osteo-arthritis in both my knees (I need 2 new knees) and MANY spinal issues which requires me to get steroidal injections in my back (every 8-12 weeks) in order for me to walk (if you want to call it that) and to get some pain relief. Pretty nasty, huh?
Well mid year I had enough and decided to get sleeved. My surgery is this Friday and I can't wait!
I also have to do a 2 week liquid prep. It isn't easy at all. It took me 3 days to find protein drinks I could tolerate. I did so much research but I am afraid my taste buds and stomach were very different. After spending around $100 on a variety of samples, brands and flavors, I found success. One big thing is I am lactose intolerant so that did have and impact. I have 3 products: In the canistet, SlimFast High Protein in chocolate and vanilla
I mix it with Lactaid. Don't love the vanilla but I can tolerate it. My nut is not in love with it but my choices were limited. I also had luck with Isopure grape "drink." I tried mango and coconut but didn't care for it. And Bariatric Choice hot chocolate with mini marshmallows. I add a bit of milk to make it even creamier. BTW...keep SF jello around for those moments you get hungry.
Well, I hope this helps in some way. Sorry for the length.
Good luck and congrats!!
Hey GrandmaR...
Thanks for the tips. Fortunately, I don't have a problem with the liquid diet. I can eat and tolerate nearly everything (part of the problem lol). I got the Nectar Unflavored Powder that was on the list my doctor gave me, and I like it just fine. No lactose problem here, so I use it in skim milk shakes with different flavorings, I've even added it to my chicken and beef broths...no bad taste to me and is just great.
Just finished day 3, and I'm doing the shakes, broth, Crystal Light, and sugar free jello. Not a fan of popsicles and such, so the jello is doing great for me. I'm a coffee with creamer and sweetener kind of gal, but no creamer allowed, so I'm even making a shake with the powder, skim milk, and room temp coffee with sweetener. Get my coffee fix and my protein all at the same time!!
Good luck with your surgery, only a couple days to go for you!!
