iam new to this site. I was scheduled for my gastric but ran inti problems with the protein shakes due to kidney ailment. ended up in hospital in renal failure. have to see kidney spec. and guess he will decide my fate. iam so disappointed as I started this procedure nov.5th and was to have surgery finally may 7th. iam only 4'9" and230 #'s.also will be 71 next month. ..I had trouble drinking the shakes but made my self do it along with the 64 oz water everyday. now im wondering if its even worth risking my life for. would love to hear from others and how they cope from the beginning to ater surgery and feeling good.