Any advice that I may not have thought about? I'm home in bed battling a stomach virus so food doesn't sound good anyhow so I have a good running start.

The two week pre-op liquids were the worst... Day one not so bad, day three and four... Holy hell that was rough but by day 6 it's not a big deal from there to surgery day.

Day three and four I had the shakes, bad headaches, seriously grumpy, etc. Day 3 some guy cut me off in the parking lot and I was so out of my mind I spent 15 minutes yelling at him and made him cry. By day 6 I realized what I had done and felt terrible about it, but the headaches and the rest were gone.

I did cheat somewhat in that the purpose of the Clear Liquids is to shrink the liver and abdominal fat to provide extra room for the surgeon to work. My understanding of a no-carb diet like Atkins is that it will do the same thing. So after day 5 I had a very small (2oz) piece of chicken breast each evening and a hard boiled egg each morning. Otherwise liquids and the Protein shakes. Then went all liquids the last 48 hours before surgery to make sure things were cleaned out.

I was frightened they would know I cheated, but I was actually complimented on how healthy and small my liver was for surgery and it worked out perfectly.

I just finished my 2 week pre-op diet, since yesterday I am on clear fluids only-surgery tomorrow!! The Cleveland Clinic requires all bariatric patients do the full liquid diet. I have heard others say they were allowed small portions of meat and veggies for dinner, but that wasnt an option for me and to be honest, I am glad it was that way. I dont think I would have had the self control to just eat a little, for me, its all or nothing. After the 2nd day, it was actually pretty easy! I went with a very hight protein shake, Premier Protein, you can get a case at Costco for like $24. I got choolate and vanilla, the vanilla is a little too sweet for me, the chocolate I have to say is actually really good! They have only 160 calories, 30 grams of protein, 5 carb and like 2 or 3 sugars, so they are a very good choice as far as protein shakes go. I found the sugar free popcilcles helpful too, just when I need something to crunch on. Also, the jello helped, I maybe had 2 of those each day, maybe 3 or 4 popcicles. And, dont foget the Gatorade, that will also help get you over the hump when you start to feel like you need some other flavor. The shakes kept me full, so my "issues" I had with not eating were not at all about being hungry-but hey, that's why I am in the shape I am, and that's what I've kept in front of my mind every time I was making a meal for one of my kids, or packing a lunch. It wont be that long before you and I will be able to have a few bites of our favorite foods again. But, the whole purpose of the surgery is to help us learn to eat to live, not live to eat. You'll be fine, just go into it like you have no choice but follow the instuctions of the diet. I didnt cheat at all, I am really proud of myself, it gave me the momentum going into surgery tomorrow that I really need, and hey, I lost 18 LBS to boot! Good luck and keep us posted on how you do!

I'm having my surgery at Cleveland Clinic Florida. Are you in Florida or Ohio Kelli? I used to live in Cleveland but now in SWFL. Good luck tomorrow and friend me. We can share notes. I'll be praying for an easy day for you and your caregivers.

Hi! Sorry for the late reply, yes, in live in Cleveland, a suburb about 10 miles west of downtown. 11 days post op and starting towards feeling like myself, only 30 LBS lighter (from the day I started pre op diet) so for the most part I really can't complain! The recovery after surgery was much more than expected especially the gas pain in my left shoulder and the horrible nausea. How have you been doing? You just had your surgery right?

Not yet! I'm scheduled for this Monday. 34 hours to go. I used to live in Parma and North Ridgeville. I miss it up there. I grew up in toledo so I'm a true Buckeye. Where do you live? Lakewood? Rocky River? I hope someday to move back but I moved to Cape Coral FL to take care of my parents. Dad passed in September but mom is going strong. Can't wait to get this done. This liquid diet was easy after the 4 th day. I'm glad you are doing well! Way to go on the weight loss. My friends in north Ridgeville are not supporting my decision but hey that's just it....it's my decision. Keep in touch and keep up the good work!!!

So how do you feel?