CloserToFine

Thanks for the question, @linedancer718. I'm also taking a Multivitamin daily, but trying to stay clear of the meal replacement drinks which my doctor said should be avoided.

Way to go, @@JosieAppleHead! Congrats on hanging in there. Glad to hear you've broken your sweet tooth! I'm on Day 3 of my 10-Day pre-op liquid diet. One thing I've figured out: being compliant is a moment by moment process. You make the right choice one moment at a time. You can't do it any other way -- it would just be too hard. Good luck with your surgery and keep us posted!!

Evening, Ladies and Gents! It's 7:00 pm Eastern Standard Time and I'm literally ready to collapse into bed. It's Day 2 of my 10-Day Pre-Op Full liquid Diet, and I've had an awful headache and felt slightly nauseous all day. (All the whey protein/dairy is not helping my tummy feel its best.) In case you're wondering, I've been completely compliant with the diet. I've had 82g of Protein today, and 92g yesterday, so I'm not lacking that. In fact, my Optimum Nutrition protein powders are really saving me! I'm eating (drinking) about 1,000 calories each day, and I'm drinking a ton of Fluid, so I don't think that's the problem. Maybe it's just the extreme change in my diet that's to blame. My body is probably saying "WTF???" In any case, I've got 8 more days to go before surgery on 6-18-15. In your experience, does it get better?? (Here's hoping.) Thanks for your advice.

Amylou, We're on the same schedule! I started my 10-day pre-op liquid diet yesterday, too! I had a hard day today . . . headache all day long, semi-nauseous, and HUNGRY. However, I am following the diet to the letter and know I will make it. The key for me was to find Protein shakes that I liked. I bought Optimum Nutrition 100% whey Gold Standard powder in Extreme Milk chocolate, and also in vanilla. I've mixed it into Cream of Rice, Soup, and have had some pretty tasty and filling smoothies (with Greek yogurt). Hang in there -- it's gotta get easier!

I was tired of waiting for someone to give me permission. I was tired of worrying about people dismissing surgery as a "last resort" or an "easy out." I was just plain tired, achy, and sick. And I knew that carrying this weight -- and likely adding to it -- was not sustainable for my particular body. I gave up the idea that surgery was an admission of failure, and embraced it as a personal choice that has to be justified to no one. Other than the insurance company, that is

Inner Surfer Girl is right about watching the carbs. My Optimum Nutrition powder is 120 cal, 24g Protein, 1.5g fat, and 3g carbs per scoop. My nutritionist seems happy with that.

I'm pre-op (surgery date 6/18/15) but I've found it helpful to research online bodybuilding forums for guidance re: Protein. Bodybuilders tend to be pretty obsessed with getting the right amounts and types of protein, and there are MANY online resources. I pay attention to their comments regarding the purity of the protein, the mixability, and particularly the aftertaste. Currently, my favorite Protein powder is Optimum Nutrition 100% whey Gold Standard. My flavor is Extreme Milk chocolate and I really like it. Let's hope that's still true after surgery! Here are some of the websites:

What a great blog, Jessica! Your post about hydration is soooooo helpful; I'm bookmarking it for quick reference! I'd love to know whether you think it's okay to blend a banana into a high-Protein smoothie for the pre-op and post-op liquid diets. I'm two weeks away from my surgery date (June 18) and I start the liquid diet next Monday. Keep up the good work!

Hi julias1119, I'm a newbie here (my vsg is June 18) but I can say one thing with certainty: your co-worker's intrusiveness is all about what's going on in HER life, not yours. I have a feeling that she is fixated on your surgery because (a) she is interested in having the surgery herself, ( she wishes she could have the surgery but cannot do so for some reason, © she knows someone who has had or is getting the surgery, (d) she's had the surgery herself. Make no mistake about it: her questions are irritating, inconsiderate, and just generally none of her business. Her behavior is badgering. But I really suspect that the badgering comes from a very personal place; this really hits home for her, for reasons you may never know. Just my 2 cents. Hang in there and best of luck with everything.