soflatechie

+1 on too much stocking up. You may end up throwing a bunch away, not only because your tastes change, but also because you will only be on shakes for a short time after surgery and you will not be able to just chug it down, so you may end up with a ton of powder you can't use.
I am a week out of surgery. What I did was find the powder and/or ready to drink shakes I like and keep a weeks worth. I use Amazon.com and if you have their prime service it is free two-day shipping. I just keep ordering a week or two of stuff until I don't need it anymore.
Keep crystal light or your favorite clear liquid with you at all times, and just remember to drink periodically. Getting enough Water is tough so you have to have it with you to remind yourself.
The pillow is a good idea on the ride home from the hospital but you will be surprised how quickly the pain subsides and you won't need it.
Make sure you are walking every day. That is so important after surgery.
To avoid vomiting - sip your drinks VERY slowly and only small sips. If you feel pressure in your chest you may have drank too quickly so wait a few before continuing, unless you have already drank quite a bit, in which case you are done.

I am one week out and started back on the treadmill yesterday - 20 minutes.
I am not allowed anything but walking for 4-6 weeks.

My surgery is the 20th. I have done a lot of research, know all the risks. But I also know I chose a great surgeon and that this surgery is done all the time now. Don't worry, you will get through this, and usually our fears are worse than the reality.
Don't know how you feel about this sort of thing, but this is what I say to myself in times like these:
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

If it helps I am using Premier Protein and syntax nectar. I buy both on Amazon. Premier is ready to drink and syntax is a powder. Both taste pretty good.

If it helps I am using Premier Protein and syntax nectar. I buy both on Amazon. Premier is ready to drink and syntax is a powder. Both taste pretty good.

I am one week away from surgery and yes I was told the same thing. I started weaning myself off caffeine about 2 months ago, and it was tough. I had headaches and cravings for a couple of weeks and never really was completely off until six days ago when I started my pre-op diet.
I am ok. I am surviving on one Decaf coffee in the morning. And actually, the coffee is starting to taste weird. Maybe it's in my head but it doesn't give me the same same pleasure as the 3+ cups I used to have a day. I guess without the caffeine rush it has lost its luster.
I was told no caffeine for 6 months after surgery. Honestly, if I can deal with it I may not go back to it. I never really liked the idea that I just HAD to have my coffee to function. It made me feel like an addict (food addiction is enough without another vice)
Just my .02

So my surgery is on the 20th, one week away.
I was told by my nutritionist that the pre-op diet was something I would look back on as the hardest part. I have been on it for 5 days now, and...well...it is not that bad.
My pre-op diet is a liquid diet - protien shakes and Clear liquids only.
The first day was a nightmare and I was seriously questioning this whole surgery thing.
But as time has gone by, the shakes I chose (premier protein) really fill me up and clear chicken broth in the evening keeps me from cheating.
It is really weird because for me not to cheat and eat something in the evening is tough. I guess the realization that I need this for surgery is keeping me on track.
Has anyone else had that experience? Thinking the pre-op diet was gonna do you in and being surprised?
Just want to get this over with though and get to the other side...

So my surgery is on the 20th, one week away.
I was told by my nutritionist that the pre-op diet was something I would look back on as the hardest part. I have been on it for 5 days now, and...well...it is not that bad.
My pre-op diet is a liquid diet - protien shakes and Clear liquids only.
The first day was a nightmare and I was seriously questioning this whole surgery thing.
But as time has gone by, the shakes I chose (premier protein) really fill me up and clear chicken broth in the evening keeps me from cheating.
It is really weird because for me not to cheat and eat something in the evening is tough. I guess the realization that I need this for surgery is keeping me on track.
Has anyone else had that experience? Thinking the pre-op diet was gonna do you in and being surprised?
Just want to get this over with though and get to the other side...

second day pre-op and discovered something - clear chicken broth, really hot, takes away my huger. This may help someone who is having a tough time and contemplating cheating.
No it is not a steak or a chicken wing, but something warm in my stomach really helps.

Folks, my surgery is January 20th. Yesterday was my first day on pre-op, and it was a nightmare. I get up in the morning and traffic was backed up on every highway to work. It took me 2 1/2 hours to get there. Then I had to work a normal day only on shakes, chicken broth and Jello. When I get home, I still had stuff to do and no energy to do it.
By the end of the night, I was questioning EVERYTHING.
This morning things are a little better.
Maybe we should stop and recognize that the pre-op experience is not easy, and it will play with our heads. Let's stay focused and we will get through this.
Just my .02

Just got my date today and I start prep wednesday. We are in the same boat with the fear thing. I just keep focusing on why I am doing this and recognizing that God has big plans for me. We will do this.

Just got my date today and I start prep wednesday. We are in the same boat with the fear thing. I just keep focusing on why I am doing this and recognizing that God has big plans for me. We will do this.

Just got my date today and I start prep wednesday. We are in the same boat with the fear thing. I just keep focusing on why I am doing this and recognizing that God has big plans for me. We will do this.

Just got my date this morning - January 20th, Dr. Rosenthal, Cleveland Clinic.
This just got real.

My insurance approval came back within a day of finishing by pre-op testing. I was amazed. I am now waiting for a call back from the dr's coordinator to get a date for surgery.
Pretty nervous at this point...

After 3 frustrating months with pre-op tests, I was told today I am approved and someone will call to schedule surgery.
This just got real....