I'm new here and am 3 weeks into my liquid diet. My surgery date is July 28.

Welcome ... just a quick question for clarification? You are doing a liquid diet for 7 weeks ?

Yes,7 weeks. I'm a patient of the Veterans Administration and this is the program they have me on.

Tell me Bat, what keeps you from getting hangry?

Edited June 28, 201511 yr by Para-thighs Lost

Hmmm....that's a good question Para. I guess having a sugar free popsicle helps.

Does sugarfree jello work too?

Yes! It's almost like eating solid food. I forgot to mention that I am on the Optifast program.

The Optifast is great! I was on that too, as you know!

Yes,but as you also know,sodium free chicken broth is a nice break from all the sweet shakes.

I'm new here and am 3 weeks into my liquid diet. My surgery date is July 28.

how did You get VA to approve you?

Jane, I'm Bat's wife, and also a veteran. It's a process. First you tell your PCP at the vet's hospital,(Assuming you're already going there), that you are interested. Find out if there is a VA hospital that does the surgery in your area. Your Dr will give you an online questionnaire (maybe) and start the ball rolling.

You must attend the VA's MOVE program for three months. There is an interview with a psychologist, and an extensive battery of tests. For example, blood work, stress test, for women, pap and mammogram and several others.

It's a little daunting, but in the end SO worth it.

I had my surgery at the VA in Pittsburgh, PA.and hubby will have his there too.

We are SO grateful to the VA for offering this to veterans!

I have already started with a doctor, I am a vet and so is my husband. We both have primary care does, so I am going to pass this info to my hubby. He was going to go his after I did. I have other insurance that is covering mine, but if known bout VA would have done a long time ago. Thanks for info.