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Here is an informative booklet that you might find helpful. It gives guidelines on how to choose a protein shake amongst other things: http://www.ochsner.org/content/misc_files/_BARIATRIC_NUTRITION_BIBLE.pdf

Good luck! I'm on day 3, surgery on the 17th. It's not the worst thing, but it is challenging. You have each other for support to stay strong, so that's nice.

I'm on day 3 of the pre-op diet also and it is frustrating, but then I remember the bigger picture, why I'm doing this, and it gives me the strength to keep going. I'm also told that it gets easier after day 3, so *fingers crossed*.

Congrats!

Did your doctor also say that you couldn't walk for exercise? That is unusual. Usually we are encouraged to walk from the beginning and not to incorporate more strenuous exercise until 6-8 weeks out.

My surgery is 2 weeks today and I had made an appointment to see my PCP 2 weeks afterwards. My PCP is currently on maternity leave, so I have not yet had the chance to tell her that I'm having WLS, but I fully expect her support because she is generally really supportive of me and my decisions. I just got an email from her office to let me know that she is extending her maternity leave to the middle of April and asking if I want to see another doctor in the meantime or to wait until her return. Obviously, I need follow up care before mid-April, so I am going to see another doctor, but now I'm scared because I don't know this person and I don't know how they will react. I can only hope this other doctor is as supportive of me as my PCP is. I'm mainly venting, but advice is also welcome.

Good to know. For some reason, I thought that I needed to be seen sooner. I'd much rather wait for my PCP, but I'll obviously go in if any problems arise before then.

I am also having surgery in TJ, with Dr. Elias Ortiz. I am also travelling alone. I also meant to tell you not to be scared about flying. I would advise you to get wheelchair service for your return flight. I fully intend to have them wheel me through the airport and to lift my bag for me. I've been flying since I was 2, so if you have any specific questions about it, just let me know.

I understand how you feel about being consumed with thinking about this! I originally wasn't going to have surgery until March 22, but I was luckily able to move it up to Jan. 17 and if I hadn't, I probably would have literally gone crazy before then. As it is, I'm hardly sleeping and I'm on this site at all hours. I am so ready to have a new start that I want it yesterday. Now that my date is less than 2 weeks away, I am able to be a little calmer about it. Overall, I'd say it's worse than being a kid waiting for Christmas to come. I wish I had good advice for you about your husband. Do you think it's the fact that he can't go or that he's worried about what else will change when your appearance changes? A lot of husbands/boyfriends seem to get insecure about their partners' weight loss, but maybe there is some way you can reassure him? Find out what his fears are and talk to him about why this is important to you and try to get him to understand that something so life-changing is bound to consume your thoughts? Luckily, my bf is more supportive and as the surgery date approaches, he has been asking more and more questions, so I am able to talk to him about it some, but I haven't told many people either, so this site is kind of my only outlet to talk about these feelings and thoughts I'm having about WLS. I know it seems far away now, but your date will be here before you know it. In the meantime, maybe work on smoothing things over with your husband and do other things to help pass the time, like shop for Protein shakes and other things you'll need post-op. It's also a good idea to start an exercise regimen if you don't already have one. Best of luck to you!

I'm still pre-op (2 weeks to go), but I think my main reward will be clothes--even if they are from a thrift store--because I will have to buy new ones for a while anyway and because I love to shop for clothes. At certain goals I might add in some variety like a mani/pedi or new workout shoes. I also like your idea of an experience, like zip lining, or the massage idea previously mentioned.

My surgery is in MX on the 17th. I plan to take a couple of packets of the Unjury chicken broth protein powder and asking for hot water on the plane to mix it.

So far I have only tried Premier Protein from Costco in chocolate and vanilla and Syntrax Matrix cookies n' cream flavor and I like them all. I plan to try Isopure soon for clear liquids. You might also try adding PB2 or sugar-free syrups to the protein rinks to change up the flavor.

Jan. 17 is my date too. Started pre-op diet today. We can be sleeve buddies!

I started my pre-op diet today and I don't know if it was because of the holidays or what, but it was very hard for me to eat totally healthy or start that diet before today. If I recall correctly, it's estimated that we should lose between 10-15lbs on a 2 week pre-op diet, but the key is to not gain more before then (tricky, I know). What I am trying to say is that even if you don't start dieting until 2 weeks pre-op, if you can just maintain your weight until then, you should still have a net loss. Good luck!

Jan. 17 with Dr. Ortiz. Can't wait!

Jan. 17 for me too!

Which Dr. Ortiz are you using? I am also getting mine done on Jan. 17 in MX with Dr. Jesus Elias Ortiz. I think the other doctor Ortiz is Ariel Ortiz.

Congrats! Wishing you continued success!

Congrats! Wishing you much success!

You look gorgeous! Congrats! Wishing you continued success.