It's the day before my surgery. I'm ready to start the rest of my life.........any advice or suggestions.....all are welcome. =)

Take pictures in the same place (a doorframe is perfect), in the same outfit (same idea when it's too big, white tank and yoga pants for example), every week. Front, back and side.

You will love the difference. Plus, if you "stall" on the scale, you will still SEE the changes.

Relax and when you see the panic well up in you just before you go into surgery. Remember why you are doing this and what you are looking forward to and let it happen. You will start a new life of good health and well being!

Also as you go a long write the non surgical victories down. You will be surprised how fast they start.

Immediately after surgery (well, the next day ) : Walk, walk, walk, sip, sip, sip. Someone said those words to me, and it was my mantra for days! Walking really does make you feel better! Do it as soon and as often as you can! And sip all day long to stay hydrated!

Weeks after surgery: Head hunger sucks. I hope you don't get it, but some do. Work through it by staying hydrated and finding the liquid Protein you enjoy the most. When you get cravings, read, walk, knit, do WHATEVER you can to divert your attention to how bad you want a cheeseburger! Realize that this liquid phase doesn't last forever (well, it did for me, but that's another story), and as soon as you start more solid food, the head hunger subsides. Also remember that you really won't feel the restriction from surgery on the liquid stage, so don't worry You will feel it once you start more solid foods.

The dreaded 3 week stall will happen. Maybe not right at 3 weeks, but a stall will happen. Don't panic. It's normal. Follow the plan and it will end. Like Lipstick said, take pics to see your progress! You will see although you may not lose on the scale for a couple weeks, you will see the difference in the photos!

Good Luck, good healing and congrats on your new life!!

I like what everyone else said.

Bring Chapstick. I also brought my walking shoes. That way when I walked in the hospital I wasn't kicking the iv stand and stubbing my toes.

Just know that all the bumps and on the road to success. And that's the way the road is paved. We just go along and make adjustments to stay on the path!!!

Post any questions. There are no dumb questions. These people on this sight have been my saviors.

Best wishes to you for a smooth journey and know you are not alone ...

Take pictures in the same place (a doorframe is perfect), in the same outfit (same idea when it's too big, white tank and yoga pants for example), every week. Front, back and side.

You will love the difference. Plus, if you "stall" on the scale, you will still SEE the changes.

Take measurements as well. I measured pretty much every part of my body, so I could track the changes all over. It's very encouraging to see inches lost in places you might not expect, like my neck or my ankles.

The best advice i can think of is Follow your surgeon's advice religiously and monitor this website.

I'm 5 days post op. Chapstick is a must. Take a pillow for the drive home. I went home the same day and it was a big help. Gas X tongue strip helped also. Everyone is right, walk, walk, walk, sip, sip, sip. Sugar free Popsicles have been great for me as well. Isopure grape is good. I just ad a little of grape crystal light and it's not that bad. Hot caffine free tea is good too, I find it helps clear my throat and little bit of mucus in the morning. Well wishes to you on this journey!

The best advice I got for the hospital was bring your own pillow. I use at least three pillows to sleep and wouldn't have been able to get any rest if I hadn't had that extra pillow. Honestly all I did in the hospital was rest, I never even used the chapstick, just lucky I guess.