MsCook

The big day is getting close for a lot of us. I'm just on day 2 of the 14-day preop liquid diet. Lots of different topics in this thread, but I had 2 particular replies. 1. I have told several people, both in my family and at work. At work I've kept it pretty general, just saying I'm having bariatric weight loss surgery. I want my team and co-workers to know what is going on because the reality is they're GOING TO notice! I don't want people thinking (or rumoring) that there's something wrong with me (like seriously ill health) causing the weight loss. I want them to know the real story and, frankly, I don't mind the congratulatory comments and encouragement. But that's just me. 2. I was instructed on the pre-op liquid diet to avoid fruit juices due to the high sugar content. It is important to get in the Protein to maintain your energy too. You may want to talk to your doctor about it and get his/her input. They won't likely tell you NOT to do it because the purpose of the liquid diet is to shrink your liver and make surgery safer for you and easier for your surgeon. If you want to do it, just be sure to understand the risks involved and your doctor is the best person to help there. Talk to you later, everyone!

Here's the good news side of the 'great debate': They're all partially right and all partially wrong... and that, too, will vary from patient to patient. So, if some surgeons allow caffeine and you can't live without your morning cup o' joe (I don't think I could), then don't give it up as that surgeon's patients won't. Just be smart about it like using sweetner instead of sugar and low/no fat/calorie creamer if you must. It won't be the end of the world. After all, some surgeons are not limiting their patients in the same way.

Good luck tomorrow! Keep thinking positive thoughts and remember why you're doing this. Take care.

wow! 17 pounds in 8 days is fantastic! Congrats to you.

Good luck to you also, LoriD. Hope everything goes very well.

Can't wait to fit "in" a chair, rather than "on" a chair. Also looking forward to being able to wear standard jewelry (7.5" bracelets, 18" necklaces, etc) and not always having to look for the larger one. Anxious to wear short sleeved blouses and dresses/skirts again.

Don't give up. I'm right there with you on the liquid diet, having started today. I'm finding the television and internet images of food are very difficult to deal with. I keep trying to find other ways to distract myself--reading, writing, being on here, etc. But hang in there. Remember that this isn't the beginning! We've already been down a long runway to get to this point (doc visits, insurance, nutritionists, psych evals, etc) and this is just a short phase. We can do it! Stick with me.

Good luck! We'll look for updates on how you're doing afterward.

So, those of you who were going through the pre-op liquid diet a few weeks ago: how are you doing now? I've just started and the first day wasn't bad. I'm sure it will get harder during this 2 weeks, though. What do you think? Did it get easier or harder as you went along during pre-op? How about after? Easier or harder than pre-op?

My journey toward slimming down and a healthier me begins tomorrow with the liquid pre-op diet. I'm excited and praying for strength to get through all that awaits me on this journey. It won't be easy, I know; yet I am confident it will be the best thing that I've ever done for myself. Actually, when I think about it, my journey really began in February when I went for my first doctor visit and made the decision to do this. I've lost weight before, but every pound returns and brings a few friends. Now it's time to do something different and permanent. So, here goes!

Very inspiring post and thoughtful insight. Thank you for sharing what you are feeling in your "new" world. Where you were (and where I am for now) was not the real you. The real you was buried beneath the weight and it will take time to get to know her now that she has emerged. Keep positive and enjoy the ride.