I am new here and am just looking for a support outlet! I am having my Lap Band surgery February 17, 2011. I am excited beyond words for this wonderful step towards a new healthier me, but on the same token, I am so nervous. It's not the actual surgery that is getting to me, it is my 10 day pre-op all liquid diet. I know it seems crazy that I would be more stressed about that part instead of the actual procedure, but there it is. Is/Has anyone else felt this way? Any words of advice or encouragement? What were some of your recipes for the liquid diet? Thank you all so much! I am looking forward to chatting with all of you!

I felt the exact same way so I know how you feel. I am on day 6 of the pre-op diet and it's not as bad as I thought it would be. I was totally dreading it... way more than the surgery itself. My doctor gave me a list of foods for the various phases of this process. Day 1-8 I can have Protein shakes (20+ grams of protein and less than 5 grams of carbohydrate), sugar free pudding , sugar free popsicles, light yogurt without fruit, broth, crystal light, tea, V8, light juice. Day 9 & 10, it's Clear liquids only.

I can tell you that your mind is a very powerful organ and it will make you think you're more hungry that you really are. I'm fine until about 3:00 or so and then I really start feeling just empty. I find that if I wait it out a bit, it passes somewhat. I'll eat a greek yogurt (Chobani brand is awesome and has 12 or 14 gm of protein) or a V8 or a cup of chicken broth. I will also tell you that I have cheated a little. I live about 50 miles from a town with a costco so I drove up after work one night this week and realized I didn't have anything to eat along the way. I got a few slices of fat free deli turkey and ate a wedge of that skinny cow soft cheese to tide me over til I got home. If you're going to cheat, eat protein!! Another thing I did that helped me right off the bat is I really cut back on my portions prior to the start of my pre-op diet to get my stomach shrunk down a little and make the cravings less. 4 days and I'm off to surgery!