Definitely get samples because everyone has a different opinion.  And what you like prior to surgery may not taste good after.

As the previous poster mentioned, Unjury is highly recommended, but I HATED it.  I bought three containers - one each of chocolate, vanilla and unflavored, and ended up tossing it all.  Pretty expensive error.

I don't do a lot of shakes now, but when I do I use Premier Protein premixed.  I actually really love these, and they don't have the nasty protein smell and taste. EAS Carb Advantage is also a pre-mixed shake which I like.  Both are available at Walmart.

Bottom line is you must figure out what you can tolerate through trial and error.

Me too!  I love sparkle and glitter.

I decided on a surgeon based on speaking with other patients and meeting with the surgeon.  The Bariatric group he was a part of was a Center of Excellence, which made me more comfortable with my decision.

How long it takes is totally up to your surgeon and insurance company.  In my case, my insurance required 6 months of supervised weight loss with my primary care physician.  After that was done, I had to pass a psych evaluation, make several visits with a dietician and not gain any weight during this period of time. I started with my first visit to the Bariatric Center November, 2010 and had my surgery in September, 2011. 

My understanding is you will have to pay $5,000 first and then 30% of the additional costs until you reach your maximum out of pocket expense (you don't state what that is).  Our plan is January through December, and each January you start over with the deductible and out of pocket expense.

I don't know a lot about the band, but my surgeon advised me against it.  And I hear nothing good on these forums about the band.  Do a lot of research before you make your decision including discussing with your surgeon.  Is there some reason you are not considering RNY?

My daughter has RNY and had two successful pregnancies.  The second time she gained about 75 lbs but was able to get it off fairly quickly after birth.

Hope that helps. 

Definitely talk to the sleep doc.  In my opinion, if you cannot tolerate the machine, it is because you are not fitted properly or you have the incorrect mask.  I went through the same thing and totally gave up on it.  My doctor kept bugging me to try again, so I had another sleep study.  The second time was SO different.  I told the sleep tech I was claustrophobic, and she said not to worry she would make it all work for me.

Second time was a charm, and I cannot sleep without it now.  I have used it for over 5 years.  Even though I am at goal, I don't think I will ever give up the CPap. 

Good luck.  Don't give up until you are comfortable!

My approval was based on my BMI when I started the process.  I would ask your doctor,

I know several people including myself that have had surgery, and no one has had a major personality change - especially sexual orientation.  Often, if the person was somewhat reclusive and shy (often uncomfortable due to being obese), there can be a personality change to the point that person might become more outgoing by being more willing to get involved in activities.  But overall they are the same person in a thinner body.

I personally am more willing to participate in social situations that I probably would have avoided before.  Some of the avoidance was merely due to the fact that I had nothing to wear and shopping for clothing was so painful.

I am happier and more content, but still the same person.

Did you have another sleep study? I would find it hard to believe a dr. would OK stopping the cpap without a sleep study.

Funny how people are different.  Broccoli doesn't bother me a bit.

That is so exciting!  Congratulations.

I remember that approval day well, so I can guess how you are feeling.

You are definitely going to need someone to take you home from the hospital.  The staff will not let you drive home especially if you are still on pain meds.  I had a friend from work pick me up.

After that I had no one to help me and I honestly didn't need any help.  Keep in mind I had a very easy surgery with no complications.  That is something you cannot predict ahead of time, so you may wish to line up a relative just in case.

I left the hospital off pain meds and was driving the next day.  Back to work in one week.  I was tired but overall really felt pretty good considering I had major surgery.

Congrats on the surgery and hope all goes well for you.

......clothes.  That is the biggest SMET to me.  I have become a clothes addict and never wear the same thing twice to work.  All thanks to Goodwill and Salvation Army.  I am still astounded how many things I find brand new with tags from upscale stores like Talbots, Chicos, Cold Water Creek, etc.  I just bought a brand new with tags leather coat.  It had a price tag of $150, and Goodwill had it marked $40.  When I got to the checkout, it was half-price day, so I got it for $20.  Score!

The joy of new clothes plus the thrill of the hunt has become my new hobby.

I used to have 3 pair of black pants that I rotated and five tops for work that I wore every week.  What a difference 100 lbs. makes!

Well, first thing I can say is you cannot go into weight loss surgery because of your boyfriend.  This is a process that YOU have to be totally committed to because YOU want to succeed in losing weight.  Boyfriends come and go, but this lifestyle is forever.

Don't jump into pursuing surgery without a lot of research, soul searching and an overwhelming desire to change your health for the better.  Because, no matter what you hear, it is not the easy way out to lose weight. 

Good luck.