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I was told Crystal Light (I like the red tropical punch) was fine the day before surgery, just nothing with sugar or caffeine. I wasn't allowed Jello, just water/broth/Crystal Light.

Sure thing! I started with a seminar that my chosen hospital put on once a month. This gave me the basics about the surgeries, what to expect, etc. Then I had a one-on-one with my surgeon, who talked to me about my options and what my expected weight loss would look like. After that things went really fast. My surgeon's office set me up with a cardiologist who did pre-op screening and a stress test on a bike. I also had to attend a three-hour nutrition seminar and get an evaluation from a psychiatrist. I had everything done within a month, but it can take more or less time depending on when you can get appointments. Then my surgery was scheduled for a little more than two weeks out from my nutrition seminar. I started the process in early June and had my surgery July 11, that's how fast it went. I'm not sure if I'm typical for self-pay but my surgeon says it goes really fast for us.

I'm only 6 days out from my surgery, but I am happy with my choice so far. I had a friend who had sleeve and we had similar goals so I chose it (it was almost an eenie meenie miney mo situation, I did lean bypass for a while). I also have a friend who had bypass and while she's doing great she did gain back 20 pounds, so it's not impossible to gain weight with that route. If you have GERD you might want to stick to bypass, as it's one of the most common problems with sleeve. I know I haven't helped you decide (sorry!) but either way you go is going to be a win for your weight loss journey. Both surgeries are excellent tools, you just need to weight the pros and cons of each. Whatever you decide, good luck and best wishes!

Well, I had VSG instead of bypass but the cost isn't that different where I am (Birmingham, Alabama). I paid about $12,500 out of pocket for my surgery. Good luck!

Your surgeon is a tool. Jeez, what a sexist load of crap. I love lifting weights, and I will return to it with my doc's ok (just 6 days out from sleeve). Missouri-Lee's Summit's answer is spot-on. Don't let this fossil of a surgeon get you down!

Welcome! It sounds like you have the right mindset and are doing the research -- that puts you on the path to success. You're gonna do great!

It depends on your plan, but I'm on full liquids and eating (somewhat diluted) cream soups and pudding. I haven't tried yogurt just because I don't have any in the fridge!

Sounds like you are doing great! I had a lot of gas 2 days out as well. Hang in there!

Yep! Had my second shake (first shake was in the hospital before discharge) yesterday and it didn't make me sick, hallelujah. I need to do better on my water intake but I feel like I'm on the right path. Soreness is there but bearable so I'm doing slow walks on the treadmill every 2 hours.

I'm sure some veteran members will have better advice for you, but 30 minutes a day walking is GREAT!

Glad to hear you're doing well! My surgery was July 11th and I'm tolerating the same as you. Still sore but I think I'm actually going to leave the house today and see a movie. I'm already tired of staring at these walls!

If you've lost 12 pounds already then your liver is quite likely shrinking, too. I wouldn't sweat it. Just keep doing what you're supposed to do and good luck on the 18th! You'll do great!

My surgeon wants me aiming for 64 oz. I haven't quite made it yet (just a few days post-op) but it's getting easier. Protein drinks, broth, etc. count for the water total, too.

My surgeon was stumped! Apparently nobody has ever presented with this weird issue before. The pain is mostly gone now and I otherwise feel great. Of course my body would do something weird after surgery!

Glad you're doing well! I was sleeved on Wednesday and am feeling much better, just struggling to get all this water in.

The pain is fading and I'm no longer hot to the touch. I'm calling surgeon's call service to see what I should do. Thanks for the response!

I came home Thursday and as soon as I took my first pill I threw up the water I washed it down with. It's slowly getting better but wow, I underestimated how hard taking pills would be. Hope you're feeling better!

I was sleeved on Wednesday the 11th, and really didn't experience much pain from my incisions. However, I woke up today with swollen, red, horribly painful arms. I'm icing them and taking my pain meds every four hours, but curious if anyone else has experienced this. Infection? Bruising from the arm boards that held me onto the OR table? If it's not better tomorrow I'm heading to the doc.

You're gonna do great!

My surgery is Wednesday. I'm so excited! Best wishes to all of you!

Yep, I've had a couple of headaches during the pre-op diet and some friends who have also had the surgery told me it was normal. I guess it's sugar/carb/caffeine withdrawal? I upped my water and that helped a little. Hope you feel better!

Hi, blondechic! We're surgery twins! I hope everything goes well for you.

I look forward to my 3 oz. of chicken and a small salad every night like a kid at Christmas! But it's not that bad, honestly. Good luck!

Thank you! It really hasn't been that bad, I just always get hungry in the afternoon. I'm allowed unlimited non-starchy veggies so cucumbers with a little vinegar and salt have been a lifesaver. Good luck on your liver diet, you can do it!

July 11! I'm doing the liver shrink diet now and trying to not gnaw off a finger, but I'm so excited.