Hi first post here! I am in London and am due to start my pre op diet in a few days. My BMI is currently at 42 and my surgery has been booked privately for Feb 26th. I have no idea about which is the best protein shake to have as meal replacement. Would appreciate tips on what everybody was eating 2 weeks prior to the surgery! Thanks!!

Hi Nikki

Congratulations on your surgery date and I hope everything goes well for you.

I had my surgery 11 weeks ago at a private clinic in central London and I haven't regretted a single day. Some days have been tough in terms of getting used to a new way of life but I am happier, freer and more hopeful now than I have been in my entire adult life!

Due to my surgeon being a liver specialist I didn't have to go on a pre-op diet but I chose to help him do his job by going on the pre-op diet anyway. I am somewhat lactose intolerant so I chose Nature's Garden soya Protein powder from Holland and Barrett which I had with soya milk. The flavours come in vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. I just used vanilla. I also flavoured soya milk with a teaspoon of cocoa powder and decaf coffee to make some delicious mochas.

I found I am able to tolerate Slimfast powder using soya milk so do have that from time to time now if I haven't been able to eat enough protein for the day.

Best of luck on your journey and keep us posted: this website is fantastic for support.

xx