Hi Everyone! I have lurked on your boards and learned alot over the past several months. Thank you! Finally joined today - surgery is July 10 - ****'s gettin' real : )

My surgeon has us do a 2 week preop diet- 1200 cal - 4 protein shakes and 2 low cal/fat/carb meals a day that can sub for 2 of the shakes. I have not been able to stay on a calorie restricted diet for even one day in so long, let alone 1200 calories. The preop diet has helped me develop even more faith in the success of this method. I honestly thought I would be really really struggling and maybe not able to do the preop diet. I have been anti-protein shake for many years, but I am a convert now! They really help with satiety. I have not had one hungry day. Luckily, I gravitate towards a lower carb approach anyways, and so this has worked for me. I guess I am lucky --- from the sounds of it, this preop diet is pretty liberal compared to many. I have heard many say that the preop diet is one of the toughest things to get through. I was secretly even on the fence about whether I was going to really follow-through because I had not started believing I could really do it ... until now ... . Not that there won't be significant struggles along the way. I have worked hard to get my head on straight about this. I know this won't cure my head, and I know it's only a tool, and i have loads of work ahead.

Good luck to you and surgery is literally just around the corner

Thanks! I am at peace and optimistic about it ... working towards excited ... ; )