I'm 8 months post op and have lost 85 lbs. I haven't had many skin problems, the only thing I can say is my tummy but if I concentrated more on tightening and strengthening exercises it would really be tolerable. There are soooo many factors affecting the skin though. ANother thing to think about for us girls is a tummy tuck may not be worth it for a long while if you want to have kids. What would be the point? My best advice and I should have listened to this from other people is do strengthening and tightening exercises from the very beginning and you could really minimize the excess skin issue or at least the unattractiveness of it.

Amanda- Hello!!!! You are so lucky to have gotten approved so fast and have a date so soon!!! I tried last June and got approved in Sept 04. I am finally having my surgery this yr!!! May 13, 2005!! 10 days before you!! So we will be so close in our stages!! I had to wait because I go to college just like you!! I'm 21 years old, I'm really short well compared to my hubby, I'm 5'1 he is 6'3 I am also having LAP RNY. Question #1: NSA Carnation Instant Breakfast (made with Double Milk) is what I hear is good. **********Double Milk Recipe********** 1 Cup FF Skim milk 1/3 Cup non-fat powdered milk My angel gave it to me. Question #2: I have heard not to eat snacks, but if you have to have meals in between classes I hear protein drinks are good and some type of soft meat. I will be in soft food when I get back in college. And at mine you can usually find something, but I have been told to pack my lunch by my other angel. I call her that at least. Some type of lunch meat, otherwise you won't know the protein and all. She goes to college too, but won't go until the summer. I can ask her when she goes and we can stay in touch. Question #3: I have heard the best thing is to eat the veggies if they have any and some meat. You can estimate the portions and get close. If they comment on why you don't eat much say I'm just not hungry but wanted to eat some so I wouldn't be rude. That is what I'm going to have to say to my family! Bc no one in it except a few immediate know. Question #4: I have been told that is can be a hard stage for people. Sometimes you won't be able to eat foods pureed in a blender. SO GUESS WHAT! BABY FOOD! yep baby food. you get the protein you need and it works if you can't handle the blended food. PUREED MENU EXAMPLES: Breakfast: ~~1 scrambled egg (OR) ~~1/4 Cup cereal (OR) ~~1/4 Cup yogurt Lunch: ~~1/4 Cup pureed meat (OR) ~~1/4 Cup mashed potatoes (OR) ~~1/2 Cup cream soup (made with Double Milk) Supper: ~~1/4 Cup pureed meat (OR) ~~1/4 Cup pudding (made with Double Milk) (OR) ~~100 cc NSA Carnation Instant Breakfast (made with Double Milk) Make sure when at school you always have a water bottle with you. I don't like water but found out that Fruit 2 O is good! So I will be drinking that. ShortSassy247 is my aol username add me!! [email protected] is my email addy can be used if you have msn messenger. Short_N_Sassy_247 is my yahoo messneger name!! ~April~ May 13, 2005 surgery scheduled!

Melissa, Thank you for the suggestions. I wanna say congrats on your up coming surgery. Amanda

As far as protein goes, I buy Sugar-Free Carnation Instant Breakfast packets and them mix a chocolate flavored protein powder with it. You would never know the difference and it is pretty good. If you can eat at school, try packing some packages of string cheese, it is small, it will fill you up, and it has protein!

Freaking out is natural, you are about to go through a major life changing surgery. Just try to relax and enjoy these last days.