Hello out there! I just received insurance approval from Aetna this Monday after a 3 month diet, and my surgery is scheduled for 11-15-2010, with my 2 week liquid diet starting on 11-1-2010. I'm currently somewhere between 280-300 lbs (I'm sure I've gained weight since my last weigh-in at the Dr's, lol. 5'6 and 23 years old. I'll have my surgery through 1 lapriscopic hole above my belly button instead of the 5-6.

Any tips from you experienced ones out there for the pre-op diet? I will be on 5 Protein shakes a day, plus unlimited broth, sugar free popsicles etc. Someone told me gum is good as long as I don't swallow, lol!!! Any tips are appreciated!

Congrats on getting your date set ! ! !

My advice is always the same:

1) Start cutting your portions now, eat off a smaller plate, put your fork down in between in bites

2) Don't buy a bunch of Protein stuff because there is no telling if you'll be able to tolerate them post-op, buy samples

3) Face your food issues now, they operate on our tummies, not our brains.

4) Set small goals to achieve along the way

5) Stay positive

6) Stick to your post-op dietary guidelines, your tummy will thank you.

7) Don't beat yourself up for bad days, they happen, and the next day is a brand new start

8) Stop drinking with your meals now (this is a hard habit to break) and wait 30 minutes after your meal to start drinking again

Again, congrats on your date, you'll love the sleeve.