So...I am still a newbie to the sight and navigating my way around but I honestly need some encouragement right now.

I saw the NUT for the first time today and it was scary as HE—for me. I guess I was not really mentally prepared for some of the things she said about post surgery life and I am hoping that she was exaggerating at least a little.

First off, I LOVE Water and I drink it all day. I feel perpetually thirsty and almost panic if I come to the bottom of an empty water bottle without having a full replacement in the other hand. (This may have something to do with the fact that I live in the desert and you need LOTS of water to survive.) So, when the NUT said that I would likely spend the rest of my life feeling thirsty and wanting more because the pouch is so small that you never feel like you can drink enough, it worried me. – Is that true? Can you really not get enough to drink? Are you always thirsty?

Second: and we are still kind of on the topic of water. Is anybody able to sip fluids with meals? How does the food not get stuck on the way down without water? I can get used to not drinking if I really have to; I guess I am just a little bummed by it.

Third: and this could unfortunately end up being a surgery deal breaker for me … I don’t drink shakes, smoothies, drink mixes or anything like that at all because I typically gag on them. I just don’t like the texture/thickness or general taste of things like that and I really don’t like sugary sweet stuff. I much prefer salty things. The sugar free pudding tastes like eating a creamy packet of sweet and low to me. Bad. According to my NUT if I do not learn to drink the Meal Replacements and shake type things I will die of malnutrition because it is impossible to get enough Protein post-surgery without them. I was distraught and kind of freaking out so my surgery scheduler gave me one of their samples to try which I will have tomorrow for Breakfast. The choices were strawberry, banana or chocolate. All sweet!…So…Who has suggestions for protein and/or Meal Replacement options that are not disgustingly sweet or thick? I am hoping that some of you have had similar issues with gagging on gross stuff and have found alternatives or options that might work.

About me: I NEED this surgery. My obesity related health issues are out of control and I am so tired all the time that I feel like I am pulling a car behind me everytime I move. I SUCK at dieting and self control. Not to mention all of the selfish "beauty related" reasons.

Please help ya’ll because I am feeling really down right now :-(

Liquid diet requirements vary greatly by Dr. My program had no liquid diet pre-op (2 weeks low-carb only) and only 1 week post-op before pureed stage. I had no problems. By the way, Unjury is available online only but it's worth it.

The reason that you need to chew your food a lot us 2 fold.

First, right after surgery your stomach is irritated and chewed food makes it easier to digest. Second reason is that chewing food takes time and makes you feel fuller on less food. Helping you eat less but also feel full.

Chewing also helps your body absorb all the Protein and nutrients better.

I wouldn't let the Protein shakes be a deal breaker at all. Go out and try several kinds. Syntrax nectar is, to me, by far the tastiest. I LOVE the chocolate truffle. It mixes wonderfully with unsweetened coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Isopure has gotten me through the clear liquid phase. I tried several flavors pre surgery to determine which ones I could stomach (pardon the pun). And as other posters have mentioned, the unjury chicken soup is the bomb dot com.

It really just comes down to how bad you want this. The liquid phase is only temporary, and the way I see it, the end will certainly justify the means. Of course I'm talking all big and only day 4 post-op but I'm already feeling a bit thinner. True story!

I haven't had the surgery yet, so I cannot comment on your post except for the protein shake part... Well, sort of... In addition to the flavorless protein powder that you can mix into anything, I'm on pre-op and am already sick of the shakes, but I found out about unflavored liquid protein as well, just one ounce is about 10 to 15 g of protein. I'm not too sure about how my doctor would feel about it, but I think I'm going to check it out tomorrow!

i'm only two days post op, but you need that protein (at least 60-80g/day)! it's the only thing we are really allowed to eat/get nutrition off of. sipping water takes a while to get used to, especially if you're used to gulping like i was. premier protein ready to drink shakes are great. my husband gets it at bj's for a good price. i also love the body fortress chocolate peanut butter with a cup of skim milk. it tastes like a reeses shake. but there are so many options to protein, i'm sure you'll find something that works for you! good luck!

I'm pre-op (hoping to have surgery on 11/14/13). I can tell you what I'm doing...

I have ordered samples from Unjury (not yet arrived). I'm looking forward to trying the Chicken Soup for a savory component.

You can also go to mybariatricpantry.com and they have a sample section that will allow you to order smaller sizes to try out prior to surgery.

I've also gone into Natural Grocers and our local drugstore to find single serving shakes to see if they are even in the ballpark.

In total, I think I've spent about $75 on samples just to prepare. I probably won't order any more unless I find the stuff I have on the way so repugnant.

I hope this helps. I wish you luck in your decision making process. This is a big leap of faith and your fears and concerns are certainly normal.