Raine

All I can say is WOW!!!! You guys all look wonderful! and way to rock the sleeve. Everyone here is an inspiration!

Thanks! You too! I am feeling so much better now too. Keeping all the liquids down and going to try some soup today to see how that goes. Haven't had dry heaves, been sick to my stomach or even a little gas pain. I guess since I went through all that the first two days someone said enough is enough. Seven more days and I can start on mushies. Yayyyy!!!

Congratulations! So happy you had a wonderful experience!

Thanks, I am feeling a lot better and am amazed at the difference a couple of days could make. One thing I forgot to mention was that because of the blood I lost they had to give me two bags over a couple of days because I was becoming anemic. Everything works out in the end Having my hubby and son there with me constantly helped me feel a lot better too.

So I made the decison last year, then changed jobs and insurance plans, same company, Aetna, then hated the new job worse than anything I have ever hated in my life! Then went back to my old company 5 months later and switched back to the old insurance in January which didnt take effect until March 1st. Ok, so at this point I thought I was going to have to jump through all the hoops and climb over all the walls all over again, then at the beginning of April my Dr.'s office called and said I was approved, that same day I got the letter from my insurance company and was floored. No, I mean litterally, if the bench wasn't right next to me outside I would have hit the floor. So, I told my family and hubby and son were totally on my side and supportive. Told my sisters and most were there for me except my sister who is getting married on June 10 and her first thought was can you wait until after my wedding? I told her it would up to my PCP and my Nephrologist. If they say no then I wait. I think she was hoping for that, or at least I felt like that. Both docs gave me the go ahead and when I went to tell her, well to say the least she was like, you really can't wait?? What about the dinners? what about your dress.... I got pissed and brushed her off basically. I am doing what is best for my health not her wedding. I'll still be there but c'mon. Be a little excited for me. Ok vent over. I am still totally excited and happy that I am doing this and cant wait!!

Hey Everyone! Let me start by saying thank you so much for all your support and advise. I don't think I could have fed my OCD demon if it weren't for this site!! Tomorrow morning is my time! I can't wait for it to be here and done and so I can be on the road to recovery and a new, not pill free, but less pill life. This is going to change everything I have been fighting my entire life and I am so excited. So to start my journey out right you need the right tools: Vitamins ... check Pain meds ... check Other meds for those other nasty thing that "might" happen ... check Protein drinks ... check French Manicure ... check Pedicure ... check Support of family and friends ... double check! I think that about covers it. Again, thanks so much all of you!! Raine

Oh and in between those I have a beef broth to offsett the sweet with the savory.

I feel your pain Meggie! That is what I thought my first couple of days on Protein shakes!! I tried making my own smoothie with the no fat greek yogurn and skim milk, and a crystal lite packet, total about 30 grams protein. Its funny but after a while the drinks don't taste that bad, like all things in life, you get used to them. I drink the Atkns low carb, low sugar ones 4 times a day, 15 grams each. Morning, midday, late afternoon and evening, gives me the 60 that I am required. Sometimes I mix a chocolate one with two packs of Starbucks Via decaf made with one cup of hot Water, pour in the drink and then over a full glass of ice. You will get creative about this, I promise. Good luck! Raine

Congratulations!! and welcome home.

Empress I am so happy for you, everything you have said is everything everyone on here has felt at some point or another. I am on Wednesday and will keep you all posted as well. Good luck it has been a hell of a ride.

I am on the pre-op diet for almost 2 weeks now and am down 16 lbs! I think its a great idea to start it before hand. What I would suggest is that you substitued a meal a day with a protein shake to get into the groove so this way by the time you have to do the pre op diet, its a breeze. Eventually, I've noticed that the drinks start to tast better with time, because thats what you are becoming used to. I use the Atkins low carb, low sugar. Has 15 grams of protein. Not too bad. Good luck on your journey!

Welocome and Good Luck!!

I haven't had mine consistantly for years!! Hope this doesnt happen after the weight loss and pill reduction lol that would soooo not be cool

Congratulations!!! It will be fine and so will you!!! Stay strong you are on a road to a better you

Welcome aboard!! This will prove to be a very good decision on your part. Good Luck on your journey!

Wish you all the best! The prize is well worth the trip!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Job well done!

I'm not sure about the food yet, but as far as skin care goes, I use Cetaphil. Its a great great product. My Mom's doctor recomended it to her when she was doing chemo and her skin dried out so much and it worked wonders. I have been using it ever since and love it. Good Luck on your journey! You will do wonderfully!

Today is day 9 on the liquid diet I am exhausted! Hope this feeling goes away, I don"t have the energy to do anything today.

However they do it, however they achieve it is up to them. Its a personal journey and if you choose not to share it then so be it. That being said, about me, well, I am the mouth that roared LOL Everyone that knows me knows what I'm doing and I'm damn proud of it. For once in my life I am taking full responsibility for my life and health.

GOOD LUCK!!! I am sure you will do great

I know we can all do it! The support her is great. It is saving me lol. I am cold all the time too. I have a fleece on as I type!

Ok, so Protein has been my biggest worry since I have started the pre-op liquid diet. THANK GOODNESS for this site! Someone talked about greek yogurt and Crystal Lite. I figured it can't be worse than the powder shakes and drinks, so why not try it. I went to the grocery store and looked at all the lables and this is going to be my success to getting over the protein issue. So thank you so much VST!! Here is what I did: Fage no fat greek yogurt has 18 grams of protein per serving and only 7 carbs Blend with 1% milk, I used a little more than a cup to get the right consistency which is approximately 10 grams of protein and appx 15 carbs(I'm going to try the skim after my supply of 1% is done) Add your favorite flavored Crystal Lite drink mix. I used 1 and a 1/4 pack of orange. I'm sure you can use any sugar free drink mix too. It has a little bit of a "dry" taste but other than that it tasted like an orange creamcicle! I was so excited after tasting this!!! 28 grams of protein in one glass how great is that. Thanks everyone.

Temptation sux! Especially on the special food holiday's. I am going to allow myself some rich soup on that day but thats it as far as the bad foods go. I am being sleeved on the 27th. Can't screw it up now! Good Luck!

I used duct tape, works everytime!