My surgery is on June 12th and I'm starting on all liquids tomorrow! Got my Optifast, s/f jello, Crystal Lite and s/f popsicles ready and waiting... Any advice from those of you who've gone through this part?

The first day was the hardest for me. Not that I was hungry but my mind wanted to put something into my hands. You can do it. Just remember what the goal is. Good luck!!

This is the hardest part, but also the most important part. This preps you for surgery and recovery. The better you do on this diet, the easier it will be for you to recover afterwards and to avoid trigger foods.

BTW, one of my favorite quotes is: "Do or do not, there is no try". You CAN and you WILL do this.

Good luck!!

Thanks Dsleon! I might have to tie my hands behind my back tomorrow... :-)

You'll be fine. Day 3 is the worst, that's when ur body is like, hey, do you know I don't have food in me!?

Day 8 here of 14 days. Day 3 & 4 were the hardest. Suggestions for you are drink a lot of Water and keep busy.

What also helps me is brushing my teeth after the shake. Use a non-drying non-alcohol based mouthwash like Biotene for Dry Mouth. Once you hit Ketosis your mouth gets a bit dry and the breath is pretty nasty. For me the Protein shakes are sticky in my mouth after a while.

I exercise and I keep busy. I cleaned out closets, I've cleaned my files on my computer, I have gone through old clothes, looking for clothes that will fit eventually, I got rid of clothes that are already too big.

Don't put yourself in situations where you will lose control. Don't go out with friends to eat, keep busy, get your stuff in order, relax and exercise. Go for a walk, keep your mind busy. Keep water at your bedside at night.

Realize one thing, if you are doing 3 shakes and getting 80 grams of protein, you are NOT going to starve to death. You are getting plenty of nutrition, plenty of people live on these many calories or less a day. It will suck, yeah, but it will be worth it. Many have gone through it in the past and made it and many will be in the future, be determined you will get through it and you will.

Good luck!!!!

My surgery is on June 12th and I'm starting on all liquids tomorrow! Got my Optifast' date=' s/f Jello, Crystal Lite and s/f popsicles ready and waiting... Any advice from those of you who've gone through this part?[/quote']

U can do this its going to hard at first but even ur tastebuds are going to change a little but be positive and remember we are here to help and support u

Good luck to you! You have many people thinking of you and you have your own cheering squad here! I am just a little behind you. I start full liquids on June 11 and sleeve sched on June 25. Its so inspiring to see everyone's journeys, thanks for sharing yours.

@MinaT - Thanks for sharing, sounds like good advice. May have to find a way to "ear mark" it for myself, I'll definatley need it in two weeks.

@need2change I am also a Dr Kim patient - surgery scheduled for 6/7/12. I chose the Bariessentials shakes over the Optifast ones, but I'm on day 5 of liquids and today has been especially rough as it's Memorial Day AND my 4th anniversary with my hubby!! Despite that here's what I've done to get thru the days....

I've tried my best to keep my shakes and liquids on a 'meal schedule'. I can have 4 shakes and nothing else but Water, or I can have 3 shakes and low sodium chicken broth, sf jell-o, and sf popsicles.

I've tricked up my shakes with flavored extracts and sf syrups. Add more ice for thicker shakes (I prefer). I'm not positive with the Optifast but this works well with the bariessentials brand.

I also choose to drink a 16.9 oz. bottle of water after each shake which cleanses my palate and keeps me hydrated, increases my need to potty (lol), and helps me stay/feel full longer.

I've been doing 1 shake for Breakfast, with jell-o for snack. Then broth for lunch. Another shake mid afternoon and more jell-o. Last shake around 7-ish and a sf popsicle for dessert. For me.... It's partly knowing when the next bit of something to eat (drink) will come that helps me get through the stretches.

Keeping busy also helps a lot. I knew I would be fine during the week while at work but the weekend was what scared me. Now that I've gotten this 3 day weekend behind me I know I can make it thru this upcoming week and weekend.

Oh and I've lost 10 lbs so far in the process

You can do it!!! PM me if you would like. Good luck

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Thanks Lissa! You are 100% correct... I will succeed! Looking forward to the "new me". I'm also looking forward to having the energy to play with my three young sons :-)

I'm overwhelmed with the AWESOMENESS of support you all are giving me! I really am feeling like I can get through this and sooooo appreciate your help, encouragement and fabulous tips! Thank you to all!!!