Nancy E.

Hi Dena, I'm about as close in age as possible, 59 yrs and 6 months. My surgery is scheduled for November 12, (this Wed.). I am on day 5 of my pre-op diet of liquids only. I will be happy to keep you updated as I go along if you wish. So far my 5 days on liquids only has gone well with no cheats. For me, day 7 will be the worst because I have to drink that bowel cleansing stuff and it must be pure salt Water because that is what it tastes like. I've had it before and just the thought gags me. I've never heard of anyone else with this problem though, so don't worry about it. Once I am past that I think I will be fine. I don't know if I will be in the hospital only 2-3 days with laparoscopy or if it will be 5-7 day stay because the surgeon may decide to do open surgery, he said it is a 50/50 chance for either. What I am longwindedly getting to here is when I get home from the hospital I will post my experience as well as ongoing progress or setbacks...which I do not expect any of those though! I hope this will help you. Feel free to ask me any questions you like and I will answer as honestly as possible. You will do great, I'm sure. What you are doing is for your health and it is NEVER too late to do something positive for your health. I'll see you on the other side!

Hi Sandy, I am on my second day of the pre-op diet and I understand what you are talking about. I feel pretty weak today but I didn't get enough calories in yesterday. I am trying harder today. Wish I could have some meat! I heard after the third day it gets easier. I really hope so. My surgery is Wednesday the 12th. Good luck to you!

Hi Kerry, Looks like we are on the same track! My surgery is the 12th. I am excited but also nervous. It would be great if we could share this journey together. I have two grown children and three grandkids. I am also blessed with a very supportive husband. I know we are both going to do great and it will be so exciting to be on the losers bench in the very near future. This time next year we will be our new, healthier selfs! Best wishes for an easy recovery!!

Hi, sounds like we are about the same. I too am 5'5 with highest weight at 236. I have surgery on November 12th. My insurance required a little higher BMI UNLESS there were co-morbidity issues, like sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc. I'm not a doctor but it sure sounds like you have a few. Unless you are paying cash your insurance will more than likely make the final decision. My surgeons office worked with the insurance company sending and resending paperwork until they finally approved it. For me, the process has taken about 7 months, with that including a 5 month doctor supervised diet. I felt like I was never going to get to this point, but, here I am, ready to start the pre-surgery liquid diet. I see my surgeon tomorrow and then I will begin the final countdown to the other side! Just hang in there and before you know it you will be "on the other side". Best of luck! You will do fine.

I don't have the same date, but close, November 12, and I am excited AND scared at the same time!!! I'm in Northern California. Do you have to do the liquid diet prior to your surgery? I see my surgeon this week to get final details. Good luck and best wishes to you!

I have had one almost yearly for Barrett's Esophagus and they have always used propofol and once they put the "block" in your mouth you don't remember a thing, just waking up. No pain at all. You will do fine!

Once again, Jonathan, you have great advice! I know in my head why I am doing this, but putting it on paper is a great idea. I imagine when we are really feeling down in the dumps, we are not going to be thinking of all the positive "whys". So, having it in writing and just pulling that piece of paper out at the right times would be very benificial!

Another great post, Johnathan Blue! I see my surgeon next week and then will begin my Hell Week except mine is two weeks. How does anyone survive 2 weeks of Liquid Hell??? Not looking forward to that, but I am determined to make it through, knowing that I am trading 2 weeks of hell for a lifetime of health. My surgery is November 12. Can't wait for that day to be over! Thanks for sharing, Johnathan Blue!

Thank you Jonathan for the great advice. I will see what my local gym charges and see about starting up water walking! Thanks!

Tamg26k, thank you for the information! I will check them out!!

Wow! Thank you for writing this! I have a surgery date of Nov. 12, just a little shy of a month. Perhaps I can begin to swim tomorrow. I don't know how to swim so would have to use a life jacket (and look like a dork, but that is ok with me!), would that still work? My ankles and knees hurt far too much to bike or walk anymore. I am looking forward to reading your future posts. Thank you!

Would you mind sharing the name of the whey isolate protein that you mention here? Thanks

I was wondering the same thing. My surgery is the 12 th of November. Scared but excited. I want to lose 105 lbs. but curious how long that will take me. Does there seem to be an "average" that people loose a month? And does your body know when to stop losing??.

Keep up the great job!!! What type of surgery did you have, the bypass? I am scheduled for my bypass on November 12. I am nervous and excited at the same time. My surgeon said he will try to do it laparoscopicly but due to excess scarring from 2 previous hiatal hernia repairs he may have to switch to opening me up instead. He won't know until he is in the process, so I won't know until I wake up. I think that is what I am most nervous about! I really want to get the surgery part over so I can begin getting healthy. I am determined to do whatever it takes to reach my goal and stay there. I hope I do as well as you have!

Thank you for explaining, jrotondella.