yamshams

In my pre-op booklet, it says that I can have diet soda on the pre-op diet, but that seems a little odd to me. I mean...I'm happy about it because I know I won't have any carbonated beverages post-op, but I just find it weird. Is this a normal thing for pre-op diets?

Also in Tampa! Surgery is set for May 5th

Whoever came up with these Greek Yogurt 100 Calorie containers is an outstanding person because this is the ONLY thing getting me through my pre-op diet. I can have one of these a day and it's becoming the highlight of my entire day. So thanks, Yoplait!

Just about made it through Day 2. Still hangry, but it's not as bad.

Just got the notice that Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida approved my claim and my surgery on May 5th will be covered. Yayyyyyy!

Oh, I am a complainer. That's what I do .But I will make it through this, I have no doubt. Eye on the prize!

I'm on Day 1 of my pre-op and I'm beyond hangry. I don't want this broth, I don't want these people bothering me, I just want to throw a tantrum and then eat a pound of food. I know it will pass, but good LORD this is the worst. How did you deal with being hangry?

I mix high-end and drugstore. I love Smashbox, IT! Cosmetics, Yves Saint Laurent for lip products, and Make Up Forever. I don't buy high-end mascara, though. You can get great mascara from Cover Girl and Loreal for under $10 and it's just as good.

I just bought the Philosophy Falling in Love emulsion lotion. I'm hoping it will help with the loose skin, at least a little.

I love NYX for cheaper stuff. They have an eyebrow pencil definer thing that is amazing.

Hi! I know it's hard to control the nerves, but you are making a huge step and you should be proud! I'm an academic advisor for adult students and it never fails to inspire ME when I see people taking that huge leap forward. There are a lot of folks just like you who are wading back into education and every single one of you guys should be so, so proud of taking this first step. Welcome back!

I'm a huge make up and skin care junkie. It's a problem, but I absolutely LOVE going to Ulta or Sephora or even CVS and finding great beauty products. Any favorite brands/products? I'm absolutely crazy about Smashbox and Too Faced and Make Up Forever. Share your favorite products/brands here!

May 5th! Cinco de Oucho.

Thanks, guys! I feel a lot better knowing that there are other people that had these doubts. I've been level-headed about the whole process thus far, but getting closer and closer to the big day has just rooted out all of my fears and insecurities. Thanks for the great advice!

I've been great at dealing with everything so far, but I'm about four days away from starting my liquid diet and I'm finding myself starting to ride the emotional rollercoaster. I'm scared of the surgery, I'm scared of not being able to ever eat normally again, I'm scared of my relationships changing, I'm scared of having no support, and I'm scared of how I'm going to look after all of this (silly, but it's a thing that's bugging me). How do I deal with all of this? What did you guys do to cope?

I cannot say enough about Benefit's Total Moisture. It's pricey ($42), but it is GREAT for thirsty skin. A good, less-expensive alternative is the Ultra Repair Cream by First Aid Beauty.

May 5th in Florida. Super stoked!

I'm taking two weeks off, per my company's medical leave policy and the doctor's advice. I'm in pretty good shape, minus the weight, so I'm hoping recovery will be fairly quick and that I can get back to work on time.

Hi Trey! I'm Jenn. Are you getting excited? Have you started any of the pre-op dieting?

I'm having the VSG on May 5th. I'm 30 years old and I've lost both parents to heart disease and I won't let it have me, too. I'm excited for the surgery, but also terrified. There's so much that I want out of life and this feels like the first step to let me travel comfortably, run 5ks and half-marathons, and someday have a family. I'm so ready!