OK so I have to start my 7 day liquid diet Monday. I did NOT do well the first time around and fortunately was not turned back in surgery. but I really, really struggle with liquids only. I'm very much attached to solid food.

I've been starting to cut down my portions and get back into low fat land this week, but last night I flipped out. I bought bad food. I am eating it. I know with my head that I'm emotionally reacting to "losing" food, but I feel a little helpless at the moment.

I intend to go the entire 7 days next week on liquids. I have great shakes (www.shakeology.com) and they are thick and filling. I just know I'm going to need support by day 3 or 4. And the last weekend before banding!

How are you folks doing on your diet? For those who haven't started yet, are you ready? Did you stock up?

Kate, it sounds like you did the right thing having some food. You even made a great choice. Just think, it's clear liquids for both of us tomorrow. I hope I can sleep tonight.

Kate, one last indulgence isn't all that bad. I agree, don't beat yourself up over it.

So tomorrow is your big day. I don't recall if you are staying overnight, but if you are, here's a few suggestions of things to throw in your bag. I've always found it helpful to take chapstick, lotion, gum, and a robe! I hate walking the halls wondering if my backside is showing. Of course if you don't have one you can always ask for a 2nd gown to put on backwards (open in front). Oh, and bring your own socks or slippers. Those hospital socks feel awful on the feet.

Good luck, and report in when you can.

Thanks ladies! Cindy, we're not sure if I'll be overnight. It's possible, but the plan from the hospital is to discharge me in the evening as long as I'm cool. Susan, I probably won't sleep. I just finished packing everything but the toiletries, I bought some zip front clothes and big loose shirt/pants for the post op bloating. Slippers too, as I have no plans to bend over more than I need to

Thanks ladies! Cindy, we're not sure if I'll be overnight. It's possible, but the plan from the hospital is to discharge me in the evening as long as I'm cool. Susan, I probably won't sleep. I just finished packing everything but the toiletries, I bought some zip front clothes and big loose shirt/pants for the post op bloating. Slippers too, as I have no plans to bend over more than I need to

Thanks ladies! Cindy, we're not sure if I'll be overnight. It's possible, but the plan from the hospital is to discharge me in the evening as long as I'm cool. Susan, I probably won't sleep. I just finished packing everything but the toiletries, I bought some zip front clothes and big loose shirt/pants for the post op bloating. Slippers too, as I have no plans to bend over more than I need to

It's going to be a great Monday!

Good luck Kate!!!

WOW...this does get easier each day! I"m down 9 lbs since I started Friday so of course that's keeping me pumped up! Yesterday I wanted something to crunch on-so today I took an apple to work, It hit the spot!

I'm still having a problem getting 3 shakes in AND 1 meal. The most I've been able to do is 2 shakes and the meal. I"ll keep trying though.

But...I'm actually feeling fine, like really ok. Not necessarily tired, no more than usual, but ok. I am trying to get my house straight in case I have visitors.

But all in all, this is going just fine. Ready for my Valentine's present to myself!

On a mission, 9 pounds from Friday to Tuesday? Oh that's just not fair! But good for you.

I had my pre-op appointment with the doctor. I'm down 10 pounds, but I was down 4 pounds before I started the diet. So 6 for the last week. I suppose I shouldn't complain since I was flat in bed from Friday to the following Friday, and then again half the day on Saturday. Now that my spinal leak is now fixed, I can get to doing some exercise and maybe lose some more. My nutritionist said most people lose during the first week of the diet and then only 2-3 pounds during the 2nd week because our bodies figure out that it is getting starved. Hmmm, perhaps I should go eat a really good dinner tonight and trick it back into thinking it has all the food it wants. Doesn't work that way though.

LOL Cindy...sounds like the stuff I say to myself.

OK...I'm struggling today. I tried a nasty Protein Powder "Designer Whey" and i bought this 2lb tub for $22...maybe later I'll try it with almond milk because Water ain't cutting it! I'm waiting on my order of Bariactric advantage...those are REALLY GOOD (even with water)

My mind is telling me I want food I KNOW I can't have. Lord..I only have 7 days (actually 6--I go in the hospital the 13th and the surgery is the 14th). My friend told me they ony give you tea and water all day the day before the surgery...ugh...maybe I'll ask them if I can use Stevia...think it'll work??? I'm sure going to ask! It will help me through that day!

Well..I just needed to let go for a minute. I'm not going to cheat...I had an apple so I'm not really hungry...but this MIND...it wants to be sitting at a restuarant right now...

I think the biggest issue for many of us is "mental" hunger that we have been feeding for years. I have 6 days to go and it has gotten easier, I am just not hungry. I find I am having trouble finishing 2 shakes, although I should be having 4 to 6 of them. Usually by 8 pm I force the broth down because I know I need to. I don't feel bad, just not hungry.

Onamission, I know you are in Europe, but do you have EAS shakes there? They aren't bad, not chalky. I usually Water them down with ice.

Yes I do. I keep them as a back up but I really LOVE the Bariatric Advantage shakes. 27g of Protein and they taste awesome with just water! I can get most of what everyone gets in the states at the commissary, but when I can't find it..I order.

But while I'm waiting on my order, I bought some more EAS. I'm going to try the Designer whey with almond milk in the morning (would have today but I"m trying hard to get in 3 shakes...just not hungry!). I guess I should be "forcing" things down but I just can't.

5 days till band day...I can't wait!

I just finished Day 1 of my pre-op. It wasn't bad. I hope I can say that on day 10.

I just finished Day 1 of my pre-op. It wasn't bad. I hope I can say that on day 10.

Congrats! It really does make the post-op diet a bit easier. I'm on my 7th day of post-op clear liquids.....7 more to go! We can do this.

Great stories from all ! I enjoy reading the, all. I am day 9 pre-op liquid diet, I am using the Bariatric Advantage shakes (5 a day!) and cant complain about being hungry. If I am Its usually when I am due for one. I am down 12 pounds since I started the liquids, it is just wierd to have made it to the "200" 's after at least 5 years in the 300's. 11 days to go until surgery!! sooooo excited for this new adventure in life.

Good luck to each and every one of you =)

Great stories from all ! I enjoy reading the, all. I am day 9 pre-op liquid diet, I am using the Bariatric Advantage shakes (5 a day!) and cant complain about being hungry. If I am Its usually when I am due for one. I am down 12 pounds since I started the liquids, it is just wierd to have made it to the "200" 's after at least 5 years in the 300's. 11 days to go until surgery!! sooooo excited for this new adventure in life.

Good luck to each and every one of you =)

Booyah--I LOVE Bariatric Advantage! It's just taking too long to get my order! I"m 3 days out! I'm excited for all of us!!!

It will definitely be a new adventure!