I am relatively new to posting on the forum but have been reading for a while. All my paperwork has been submitted to my insurance and I was told it was in the nurse's inbox to review for approval two days ago. I am 5'6 inches and about 290 lbs and in my early 30's. I have Humana PPO and am seeing Dr. Schuster in Louisville, KY. I had my six month diet and my psych eval but am fairly good health with a huge family history of obesity and related diseases. So now I'm anxious and excited and nervous. I'm dreading the pre-op diet and have heard its a liquid only diet for at least 7 days, but you don't find that out until you see the surgeon for your second appointment after approval. Just curious if anyone has any advice or tidbits that you wish you had known or done before surgery. Did you take anything to the hospital? Was there something you would have asked that you didn't before surgery? Would you have done something differently to prepare yourself? Thank you for taking the time to read this and responding.

Hi there -

You are lucky that you only have a 7 day pre-op diet....I guess that I am lucky that I only have to do a 14 day diet....I have heard of people on this forum that had to endure liquids for 4 weeks!

I am currently on day 8 of my 14 day liquid diet. I get two Bariatric Advantage Protein shakes and a cup of vegetable Soup a day. I really have to say that the first 3 days of my pre-op diet was HELL. I am talking about my stomach wanting to eat my intestines, a constant headache that you wouldn't believe, and a feeling of extreme weakness. I am not sure how I survived those first few days. But on day 4 everything changed. My headache went away, along with any appetite and feeling of hunger. I now have to remind myself to drink the shakes and eat the soup. I don't get hungry AT ALL and when I do eat my soup at night I am really full. I am hoping that this gets my through to next Thursday when my surgery is scheduled!

I have dropped 10-lbs in one week and am right now feeling great. I know that this diet is not healthy for you...starvation never is....but I am thankful that I am forced to do this. I think that it is a nice mental boost to my weight loss journey and I love looking at the scale each morning!

My suggestion is to drink A LOT of water!

I really wish you luck on your weight loss journey. The pre-op is hard, but if I can make it so can you!

I'm actually new to the site as well. I have been reading posts for about seven months and I decided to join this evening. I had my last visit(number 6) with the nutritionist this evening and I'm am patiently waiting for approval as well. Good Luck.

Hello,

I am on day 7 of 19 yes, I said 19 days of starvation. My surgery is on 4-1-10. I started the pre-op on 3-12. I am so hungry. I am still feeling hungry. I wish that I could be like others I have read on here and not feel hunger anymore. Then it is still a liquid diet for three to four weeks after surgery. I do like the results so far though. Lost almost 15 pounds the first week. From 320.5 to 306. I am really hoping to see 299 at least by surgery day. So...we are all in this together. Let's keep each other motivated.

I got approved!!!!! I heard today and I am scheduled for surgery on April 6th! I can't wait and am terrified all at the same time. I think I have to do a 2 week liquid diet instead of a one week as I meet that person next week but won't have surgery for another 2 weeks.

I am scheduled for surgery om 3/31/10. I have been on the preop diet for 3 days, two Protein drinks and a salad with grilled chicken for lunch. My doctor said that I can have some chicken in the evening if I'm hungry.

I can't wait to get this over with!