To the pre-ops/newly sleeved -

Devon, I hope you make your protein shakes with milk because I mix mine with water since I am still in the losing phase. My cookies 'n' cream shakes isn't that yummilicious!!

Never with milk! I use almond milk - 40 calories and far fewer carbs. The shake turns out nice and thick, but not disgustingly sludgy. I'm still losing, too. I've got 12 more pounds to get to goal. I'm with you.

BTW, the drink I meant was that Iced Coffee with the SF VAnilla. Never thought of that. I do my protein coffee, but an nice Iced Coffee with some flavor sounds delicious!

You are so right. I have met a few friend of a friend type people who have are totally ignorant before and after surgery. It amazes me that so many people will have surgery and not ask questions or seek out any information. I tell them to ask, ask, ask and research, research, research. Part II I tell them to get their head on straight. That if they have eating disorder before the surgery then they will still have it after the surgery. They need to work on the organ between their ears first. Also the ignorant comments people make, as if weight loss surgery gives you guaranteed results with out any effort on your part. Great post...........

I think that some people have this idea that their doctor (any doctor), is like a god or something. And they are intimidated to ask question of him or her.  I tell everyone that they have to be their own advocate. Ask question, no matter what the medical issue is. Ask, ask, ask... why do i need that, what does this pill do, and do not be afraid to ask. And if you think something is not right... get a second opinion... Doctors do make mistakes or forget to tell you something.... Always ask.....

Well said, Allison! I couldn't agree more! Now that I'm almost a year out, my sleeve saves me from over-eating, but it doesn't do anything to help me chose chicken breast over donuts... nor does it do anything to stop grazing... nor does it help head hunger. So at this stage, it's still a life saver, but it's ALL ME from here on out. The habits I developed early on are what's gonna get me through!

Rock on, sista!

 I died laughing at your comment about chosing chicken over donuts....that's the bottom line with this surgery though. Maybe there will be some donut flavored chicken one day and we can have the best of both worlds :)

OMG, too funny!  Oddly enough I don't even LIKE donuts... just the first example that popped in my head... I guess I walked too close to the donut case at the grocery story this week.  Normally they don't appear to me that much, but they were calling my name this week.  Good thing I ran away before I bought any!!

But maybe we could figure out some cake flavored chicken... or brownie flavored... LOL

 So is there a list of questions that "newbies" are not allowed to ask? heaven forbid I irritate you.

 I guess you missed the point of my post - I believe I was encouraging people to ask BEFORE they go into surgery. But, if you want to be defensive and have an attitude, feel free, I can just add you to my growing list of blocked people. Seriously, I was a 420 lbs food addicted binge eater who has figured out how to lose weight....and I'm just trying to help but I can't help people who don't want to help themselves as well. Going into a major life altering surgery without the slightest clue of what happens next is dangerous and downright scary. 

 I suppose you missed my point as well.  My point is that there are going to be people who ask questions, maybe to you they might be stupid questions or fears, but to the person asking, they are valid concerns.  If you think I sound like I have an attitude, maybe you should read your OP and look at it through the eyes of someone who is upset, worried, has questions and is looking for answers from someone who has been there. My point is, there may be people out there who may be afraid to ask questions, or they will get a snarky post from someone like you. 

I actually happen to be very informed, as I have been reading here and at other forums, and through hundreds of other sites for resource pre-op and continue to do so post-op.  

Your OP sounds a lot like rightous indignation, more than trying to be helpful.