Ms. Brightside

That is so surprising about ginger! Definitely something I was planning on having on-hand post-op. Hopefully your tastebuds will come back around to it in a few months. Sorry to hear about your migranes. I'm the same with fake sugars and non-natural cleaning products. They're the worst! For nausea, have you tried Psibands? I picked up a pair on clearance at Target and hoping they will be helpful for me. Also, I remember from my cruise that green apples (???) are supposedly great at helping with sea sickness/nausea. Maybe you can find (or make) green applesauce and give that a go. Hope you are feeling better each day!

@HeatherS. - thanks! I am definitely a list-maker. Helps keep me sane.

@HeatherS. - I absolutely agree! The book is fairly new (released about a year ago, I think), so your library may not have it, but it'd be worth requesting! If not, my copy was only $10 through Amazon.

Sounds like you are on the right path!

I have jumped through all of the hoops that were laid out by my insurance company. My surgeon's office submitted my information for insurance approval yesterday. Now, it's time to sit and wait. Except, I am not the "sit and wait" type. I shall prepare to divide and conquer. List making has begun: Items to pack for the hospital Books to read after surgery Movies/TV shows added to my Netflix queue Additional questions for my surgeon at my final pre-op appointment Food ideas for the full-liquid stage (which lasts for 5 weeks post-op!) I have also decided to implement life-long lifestyle changes now, rather than later. Per my nutritionist, adults can only handle 2-3 major changes at once, so I figure I by starting now, I am setting myself up for success. Some of these changes I will be working on over the next several weeks are: Eliminate caffeine Eliminate refined sugars Have several smaller meals throughout the day Chew food more thoroughly Eat slowly No liquids with meals No straws No gum Find replacement activities for when head hunger or the urge to boredom eat kicks in Start walking more Additionally, I have started the process of cleaning out my pantry and freezer, getting rid of any food items that are not in line with my new lifestyle. If it is something I shouldn't consume after surgery, I certainly do not need it now. I am not one to waste food, however, I do not want to "waste" my health any further and these items will be removed from my home. Anything that can go to the food pantry, will. Lastly, I have begun taste testing various protein shakes and "clear liquids" for those stages after surgery. I plan to use my blog as a place to post my reviews for me to revisit when the time comes. Here goes nothing. Or everything.

Have you read Proteinaholic by Dr. Garth Davis (who is a bariatric surgeon in Houston)? I'm currently making my way through it and Dr. Davis certainly has some convincing arguments in favor of LPHC. Thanks for sharing the link! I plan to read through it over the weekend.