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I'm still adjusting to the Water thing. I bought a Britta water filter and I'm up to drinking a gallon a day, keep in mind that I'm also drinking coffee and diet coke (probably a gal. each LOL) so I haven't kicked the habit. I do think the filtered or spring water tastes alot better but keep in mind I'm in Vegas and our water here isn't the best. What is "Mio Mia"? I've never heard of that and is it like zero cal. zero carbs? Renee`

She is so HURT? What about the others that she hurt with her posts? What about the ones that you've hurt? I *did* pm her and say I didn't mean to p her off and I fully understand what "pet peeves" are, one of mine are rude people. I was nice in what I said and I stand by it, not everyone here has a bachelors degree in english, maybe it's their second language, get over it, please. I seriously didn't mean to make her mad and to be honest, that's what I did, NOT hurt her. If she's honest with herself she'll realize it. Renee`

congratulations on the journey to a new you and how exciting that your mom is going through it right along with you! Way to go ladies! Renee`

whoa...thank you for this post! I had no idea Renee`

I think in the beginning they don't want you to have caffeine / coffee because it dehydrates you quickly and that's something that some people have a problem with. Alcohol also is a diuretic and can dehydrate you quickly, hence the hangover, add carbonation to it and your tummy and body are suddenly spiraling downward toward dehydration. BE CAREFUL! This is a whole new you and your shot at making your dreams a reality...make it happen and be proactive! I never touch alcohol (long story there) but I drink coffee and diet coke all day and night. I have the two next to me at all times and it's a horrible habit and one that will be hard to break . I've started drinking a gallon (yes a whole gallon) of Water a day and I hate hate HATE water but I want to be hydrated and ready for surgery and accustomed to drinking water afterwards. I've switched to caffeine free diet coke but still drink coffee. It's going to kill everyone here to drop those habits but we can do it. (someone tell me I can have coffee when I wake up from surgery please please please! *prays on bended knees*) LOL Renee`

My pre-op diet is 10 days of low carb / high Protein before my surgery and I think nothing after 10 pm the night before. If I had to do a total liquid diet for 2 weeks BEFORE the surgery and then face another 2 weeks after, I couldn't do it. I know me and facing a month of nothing but liquids would put me off the idea of surgery altogether. One of my best friends joined this board but hasn't chimed in yet had to do the full 2 weeks of pre-op on liquids and I felt terrible for her. I guess it all depends on your dr but follow his / her advice because you have one stomach, do it right. Renee`

Nina is amazing! She's kind and warm and extremely helpful! She's really done everything humanly possible to put me at ease. Sarah I'll see you on the 25th at the latest. I'll actually be at the hospital on your day to get my labs done so I may see you before or after your surgery! Mine is also $8750.00 but I think it's a special that's only for the month of May. Dr. Aceves has the lowest rate in complications and I've heard also that the hospital grounds are a safe place to walk around to get your exercise. To be fair, I also liked the look of Dr. Joya because I could fly right in and be picked up at the airport in Mexico, it's a beautiful spot to recover in, good price and his reputation as a surgeon wasn't bad at all. I personally felt more at ease with Nina and Dr. Aceves. Renee`

I'm so sorry this happened to you, especially on such a special day! I know this is one demon I'm going to have to battle because I've always eaten on the run. I rarely sit at the table even, just leave my plate on the counter and grab a mouthful whenever I go by. This is a horrible habit that I got into when I was doing reptile rescue and running a business. I just didn't have time to eat and so I ended up eating quickly. I have about 2 weeks to learn to eat slowly lol

Tonight is the first time I've gotten it to work and I was so excited. No one was there. DOH! lol

I agree with you 100%. I don't work outside the home so in that way I'm fortunate. In fact I'm extremely socially phobic in person so I don't deal with people at all and I won't be asked this question. I totally understand your reasons and your answer is very honest and straightforward. It's all the information anyone "needs" to know. Renee`

I don't think boring is the word I'd use, but I think maybe everyone needs to show a bit of tolerance and understanding because people from all walks of life come here and possibly some more educated than others. Besides, it's not a site that is set up to teach proper grammar or english (not everyone that comes here is American I'm sure) or anything else that isn't related to weight loss surgery. Renee`

I've also read that hormones go a bit crazy and out of whack after the surgery so maybe that is part of it? Either way I hope you're feeling better soon. There is a vast amount of information here and hopefully it will help you out. Renee`

I followed Atkins off and on for years and I suffer from IBS, the diarrhea kind and I can tell you that for me personally low carbing it would always "help" to constipate me. That being said, I wasn't eating fruits at all because they're higher in sugar and my veggies were also limited to those that were very low in carbs. Salads would sometimes do it to me but not when I ate romaine lettuce, only the Ice Berg. Lettuce is mostly Water so if that's all you're eating, that may be why. Slimfast, Atkins shakes, all those would make me run for the bathroom so I cut those totally out. I'm going with a product called New whey simply because it's alot more Protein (I think 42 or 45 grams) for alot less liquid (3.5 oz) and hopefully this one won't bother me as much. Hope this helps Renee`

Did they help you alot with pain management after the surgery? I'm worried about the waking up part, although I guess NOT waking up would be worse LOL I think I'm just experiencing what everyone does before they undergo any surgery, with the added worry that my body is going to be screaming in pain. I really REALLY (can't put enough "really's" in there! lol) don't want my muscles to feel like acid is flowing through them again. I'm kinda screwed because my Rheumatoid specialist says I'm at the end of the line, there is nothing more they can do for me and this isn't acceptable to me which is why I'm choosing surgery, to see how much of the pain I can take away. I've heard conflicting reports back but I'm willing to take my chances and place my bets (I'm a Vegas girl, we bet on anything ) and do it. Thanks for any info you can give! Renee`

True. In this case though, lucky you, that piece of cake will be enough for a weeks worth of Desserts. SCORE! Renee`

Which is exactly what they should be doing for asking such a nosey question. I'm going to tell people the truth about it, but only because I'm blogging it all to hopefully help others out there. Aside from that, you're right it's very personal and no ones business. Renee`

Congratulations on your decision Nancy. I too am a Diet Coke addict so I feel your pain there. I have wondered about caffeine free diet coke thats watered down a bit..desperate or what? I think as long as it's flat, it's ok, just absolutely no bubbles. others can chime in here and help out. Renee`

Good luck to you too Kelly! Just breathe nice and deep and think happy thoughts when they put the mask on you, next thing you know you'll be waking up to a whole new life ahead of you. XOXO Renee`

No, I go in on the 25th to Dr. Aceves. I'm excited and scared like everyone else, but I'm really more afraid of going into a flare afterward. I have severe Fibro / CFS and even on my best day it's not great and I have a hard time because of the pain. I'm on Hydrocodone 7.5mg every 4 hours, 300 mg of Lyrica twice a day and 35 mgs of Effexor, all for Fibro. I never was depressed, just in horrible pain like someone is pouring acid in my muscles. Since they'll be going through muscle to get to the tummy...*groans* I'm really scared. Any advice? Renee`

Thanks again to all that replied and to Kemo for thinking of this topic. It's really helpful for those of us that haven't gone yet, but will be soon. I'm planning on loose fitting clothing, a pillow and bottled Water. We'll have to stop several times, like you said but hopefully not because I get the poops or something. That'd be a crappy ride home. I swear that wasn't an intended pun...at first. LOL Renee`

I'm glad you posted to this because I'm not relishing the idea of a 300 mile ride home from the hospital. There is no way I'll be able to drive soon-ish either, my Mustang is a 5 speed and the clutch kills me. Sucks being short and having to stretch. Renee`

Good luck Michelle, keep us posted when you can! Renee`

Good luck to both of you! Let us know when you're out of surgery and coherent enough lol Renee`

Hi Leslie, welcome! Renee`

I'm coming in the day before that and have to get my labs done the day you get surgery LOL We're coming in actually 2 days before my surgery, so I'll be in town! Renee`