Conflicted

I want to lose a minimum of 90% of my EW! I think for me, in order to be able to succeed in that, I cannot add in any starchy foods. Maybe a couple bites of something like asparagus with meals, but I honestly can't see myself being OK with myself (does that make sense? lol) if I added in those foods!

OK, fair enough.  If you want to lose 90% of your EW, ask your doctor what there usual rate of EWL is for their patients.  My guess, based on the diet advice you were given, it will be in the 60-70%.  If you are going to go with their advice, expect their success rate.  If you want something else, there are other diet plans with different success rates.  It is up to you.

Thank you, I definitely needed an objective look at this. You're right, the average of the program is 60-70%. No one I've seen in the support group, no matter how far out they are, seem to have gotten close to 90%. I plan on staying on the plan I am currently on

You are going to be the rock star of your program and your doctor and nutritionist are going to parade you around like their star pupil. I am here for you if you need me.

Most important thing, get a plan together that makes sense to you and write it down. Don't change it based on how you feel from day to day. Choose something that has worked consistently for many people and has great stats and stay with it, regardless of how you might feel on any given day. That is the first big deal commitment. Good luck to you.

Also, just so you know, when you go to our support group, almost everybody that is a year out or more is at goal at 80-100%, with very few exceptions and those are easy to explain. Plus, the support group is huge, with many, many VETS.

Thank you so much for the support, seriously I'm getting all misty over here
I have started a folder on my computer for surgery and weight loss related things. Right now I'm going to type up this plan and stick it in that folder!
600-800 calories (or less)
70-80g protein (or more)
40g carb (or less)
I'm honestly not sure I would be successful with this surgery if you all didn't take the time to help out!!

Just remember, you are not alone.  We have all walked this walk and we can help you, I can help you, make one step at a time until you are there and then we can celebrate together.  Hugs.

 I agree about the carbs- the longer you can avoid them the better if you are a carb lover!

 I think you should trust your medical team.  Here is what I can add from my experience, albeit I am not at goal yet.  I averaged 600-800 the first few months.  Then 800-1000 for a month or so.  Now 1000-1200.  My weight average lost per month has been steady the whole way through.   I am not saying that the 800 or less and under 40 grams of carbs group has it wrong, I am just saying that it is possible to have a better eating day and still lose.  It is my hopes that this will not be as hard on the metabolism in the long run, and the more balanced diet has absolutely made me feel better. Just had the 6 month follow-up with the NUT and she again confirmed that I am at the suggested calorie range.  On a side note, I am careful to exercise routinely and that obviously helps to off set calories. 

You really do have to figure out what works best for you. This early out, by the time you eat your protein, if you're anything like me, those veggies don't stand a chance, much less the starch.

Good luck figuring it out!

 In the same vein as what Elina said, my surgeon considers success to leave obese and be overweight.  That would mean in 3.5 lbs, I'd met his terms of success.  His plan is also similar to the one you state.  So I picked a plan of a surgeon that expects more from his patients (Cirangle) and I follow that instead.  

So here I am 3 months out almost overweight and I definitely don't accept that as a success.    That being said I work out heavily, I'm training for a 1/2 marathon, a sprint Tri and I ride horses.  So my carbs sit a bit higher at around 60g a day.  BUT I never ever touch anything like a grain, my extra carbs come from milk (recovery drink after a long run) or beans.