Amanda, My name is Judy from North Carolina. I had WLS Aug. 2, 2004 and as of today I have lost 120 lbs, I started at 278. I'm 51 yrs old and I just wanted to say GQQD LUCK to U on May 23. The Protein drinks are all different but the ones I liked the best were Advantege, but try different ones. I also used the Designer Whey at GNC, to add to the protein drink. The most important is your vitamins, I like the Disney (Winnie the Pooh) complete they chew the best I take 2 each day, B-12 1000 from GNC and Viactiv calcium chews 2 a day. Stage 1 hospital and 2 weeks after: Sugar free gelatin, I did all the flavors Sugar free popsicles and sugar free ice cream Strained soups 100% fruit juice (Juicey Juice) Water/Ice Crystal Light Protein drinks 2% Milk Sugar Free apple sauce Eat and drink slowly NO GULPING, No carbornated beverages, the bubbles will stretch your pouch and you will eat more. After 2 weeks I did mashed potatoes and for desert I ate coolwhip only 1 g of sugar. I never eat anything that has more than 3 g. of sugar and I try to eat foods that have protein. Meats still dont agree with me but i eat other protein things. My liquid intate is Water, Coffee and orange juice (not from concentrate) that does best for me. My pouch is so small I couldnt eat more than one thing at a time up until around Dec you will fill up so fast with just a few bites. Pureed stage: sugar free apple sauce, mashed potatoes, soups, protein. Remember when U get the blues, think of what U will look like in 8 months. I can witness that U will look wonderful. I started out wearing a size 26 and now I am almost in a size 12, believe me when I say this surgery has been worth every pain I've had. Their have been more good days than bad ones. You will experience a pain on the left side and it will hurt some but will go away in about 2 months. Walk some each day to make the soreness go away. Sleeping in a recliner chair was better for me the first few weeks. I'm gonna hush *S* = smile. Take care and God Bless U and your surgeon. Remember, take it one day at a time. Judy *S* North Carolina

That is excellent. Good luck witht he insurance process. ~Amanda

Im not sure of which surgery you had but here are a few tips. If you are having problems with certain foods, do not eat them again for a few weeks. Then, go back and try it again. Remember it is much easier for moist foods to go down then dry ones. And I know with the band, that it is designed to work with solid foods, so constantly putting yourself back on full liquids may or may not be the best thing for you. Just a few helpful tips to remember.. Megan

how do i get to that place i am 19 and on my way to getting a surgeon consult mandy

Just wanted to stop by and say good luck Monday. Let us know how it goes. ~Amanda