So I've made it to day #5 of this liquid/shake only diet. I've cheated a few times with a skinned apple or a banana, just to curve the intense pangs. But not as bad as I initially imagined. Keeping busy helps a lot. This period really brings light to how much/role food plays in my life. I've turned down 3 social gatherings where I know food/drinks would be there.... I'd rather not be tempted or go through all the explanations b/c I know everyone is going to ask 'why I'm not eating/drinking'? Oh well, just looking at the bigger picture. I sure hope all this is worth it..... How are all the Pre-Op dieters doing out there?

Great job! I'm on day 21 of my pre-preop diet and doing still hanging in there... 9 weeks to go on this diet, then my actual preop starts!

Wow.... 21 days... You are definitely an inspiration. Keep up the good work. Have you run into any challenges along the way... Or has it mostly been the initial 1-3 days when your body goes into complete shock ?

Well the first 5 or 6 days I did shakes only. Now I do two shakes and then a piece of lean meat and a salad and an ounce of nuts for dinner... oh yes and I can have half a fruit. This is all under 800 calories. After day 4, I went into Ketosis and was not as hungry. I experience a bit of hunger here and there, but nothing terrible.This is definitely easier than 1200-1500 calorie diets I've done in the past. I haven't cheated once since I started. I've been tempted plenty.. I came very close to eating a slim jim today at work (i work in a convenience store surrounded by deliciousness!!!) but I resisted. I HAVE to do this. I HAVE to get 40 pounds off of me before surgery.

Serendipity, what kind of shakes are you drinking?

I'm drinking shakes made from zero carb isopure (vanilla), gnc amplified whey (chocolate), and I also have the premier (pre made) shakes. I

I can't stand shakes at all for the first time I are vanilla pudding

Serendipity, what kind of shakes are you drinking?

Jay Robb. I chose them because they're sweetened with stevia. I will have artificial sweeteners here and there, but I didn't want to be having them twice a day, every day. My nutritionist has said I can also have half of a fruit or a whole cup of berries a day if I want it and can fit it into 800 calories so sometimes I'll mix the chocolate Protein powder with skim milk and a cup of frozen blueberries.. OMG,. YUM... But I don't do that every day cuz staying under 800 calories is HARD when you have a normal size stomach! Also I sometimes add a bit of instant coffee to the chocolate and some ginger powder to the strawberry flavors and it makes it quite nice. The powder calls for 12 ounces of milk, juice or Water for mixing, but I use 8 ounces of milk plus ice or frozen blueberries and it is good that way.

I should point out that Jay Robb are protein supplements and NOT Meal Replacements and they are not fortified with any Vitamins. I am eating a small dinner each evening consisting of a lean protein and some veggies with an emphasis on leafy greens. I can also have two eggs, one ounce of nuts and half a fruit daily at my discretion as long as I can fit it into my calories. I'm also taking supplements (b complex, prenatal multi, Calcium, with d3).