i have been vegan for about 3 months now. The first four days i felt AWFUL. This told me my body was full of crap from the way i was eating. Since then, i have felt fine.
However though-i have to watch my carbs and be SURE to eat healthy, whole foods. Saying you are vegan isn't a magic pill. If i eat too many carbs or processed foods i will not lose weight.
However, when i am eating good whole foods, and exercising, my cravings vanish and i feel wonderful
i do take vitamins-a daily multi, vit D, b-12 (very reasonably priced at Sam's), calcium-but really think about how much whole food you eat now. Most of the time the vegan you will eat so much better than you do now.
On cost, it may be fair to say it is a little more expensive, but i don't think it's that bad. i haven't shopped at a "health" or "specialty" store yet (ie, whole foods, trader joes). Not to say i never will, but you can see it isn't necessary, and i live in a part of the country where veganism is considered crazy
A package of veggie chicken nuggets is about 3.95, same for 4 burgers or 6 sausage patties. Remember, i limit myself to one fake meat per day. So that really isn't too bad. Remember also, you are probably NOT buying expensive meat, soda's, whole milk, creams, butter, cookies, desserts, pastries......
Also remember that even if it *is* a little more expensive we buy junk food, fast food, outfits for our dogs, computers, smart phones-we have to be OK with making our food a priority.
One more thought....do a little research in the animal rights side of veganism. Once you learn how animals are killed and how they live, you may not WANT these foods, and it also gives you an additional reason not to eat them besides weight loss-this really helps me when my motivation is low.
BEST OF LUCK TO YOU! No matter what you decide....
~fm