MegaLou

You're ahead of me--I don't have surgery until May 3. But I thought I'd share this. When discussing exercise with my dietitian, I mentioned how much I hate walking--anything but walking, which I find so boring! We talked about what I do like and when I told her I had a pool I enjoy, she was excited. She said they've found a remarkable improvement with skin issues with patients who swim or do Water exercise. I don't know if you have access to a gym, but you might want to try a water aerobics class. Find a good one--some are pretty lazy, but you can get an energizer class that will really get your heart rate up, will provide resistance (from the water), and apparently help protect against loose skin. I don't know if it'll work, but I know I'll be in the water as soon as I'm cleared to be.

I am VERY picky about Protein drinks, and this what I've come up with. 1 cup Hood Carb Countdown chocolate milk, 1 packet Carnation sugar-free Instant Breakfast (chocolate), and 2 tbsp. Deb-El powdered egg whites. I put it in a personal blender and whiz it up with ice cubes, and there is ZERO "protein" or chalky taste. It comes out to 23 grams of protein, 17 carbs and 190 calories. My dietitian says the carbs are milk sugars and are OK.

May 3 is my date. I'm not nervous at this point. I have pre-surgical supplements, but no diet. Do you? I'm thinking of stikcing mostly to protein drinks the week before, anyway.

I found your blog before I found this post and am working my way through your journey from the beginning (still not to the point where Heather comes in and Tracy goes out, but looking forward to reading about all the changes!). I've been thinking about the band for months, and I want you to know that while there were plenty of other reasons I made up my mind to schedule my surgery, your success is right at the top of that list. You have such an engaging voice and a great story. So---thanks! My surgery is in three weeks. My doctor doesn't require a pre-surgical diet, but I'm thinking about going to mostly Protein drinks the week before. I'm curious about what you and others have done to prepare.