I want to document everything as I go, but don't want to do so in a place like Facebook where everyone I know can scrutinize my decisions. This seems like a good place.

I'll be starting the two-week pre-op clear liquid diet in the morning. Dr. Illan will perform my procedure on November 4th. I've never been to Mexico, so I'm excited about going to a new place to start this new life. I may be going alone, which is sad, but I've flown from the US to Malaysia on my own, so it should be just fine.

I received the protein water I ordered from Amazon yesterday and I'm not looking forward to drinking it, but I'm sure I'll manage. I'm going to make a stockpot full of homemade vegetable broth tomorrow and freeze some in single-serve dishes. Going caffeine-free is going to be a huge obstacle, so I think I'm going to brew a gallon of tea with one regular teabag and a few decaf bags to get used to it first.

I'll take starting photos tomorrow, but I don't think I'll post them until I lose some weight and can use them for comparison. I'm at my highest weight currently. A few years ago I was able to lose via diet and exercise getting down below 200 for the first time in over a decade, but that didn't last long. I do believe this is my last chance and I'm ready to change.

Starting Weight (10/21/17): 297

Height: 5'7"

Good luck to you, you sound so well prepared [emoji16]

Good luck. Welcome.

Thank you both! The clear liquid pre-op diet is no fun. Everywhere I go, the smell of food has intensified to torment me. I've never been able to deal with the flavor of fake sweeteners, so protein water and sugar-free jello are difficult to swallow. Of course it'll be worth it, but I do have to complain just a little bit.

Haha complain away! I start my pre op diet tommorrow and I’ve never been a fan of fake sweetener flavour either! I’m 3 days after you so I am looking forward to your updates.
Are you eating the free veg you’re allowed on the pre op? I might just have some extra strawberries to keep me going.
Are you excited? I’m totally excited but a bit nervous too, but more excited.
I have an endoscopy today and I’m even a bit excited about that! What’s wrong with me! I am a crazy person!
Looking forward to updates [emoji16]

That's great that you are right after me! We can stay in touch through all of this. My dr put me on clear liquids only for the next two weeks, so I don't get to eat fruits or veg. I'm so looking forward to mushy foods and that's several weeks away! I'd love some cottage cheese or refried beans right about now. Are you in England?

I want to document everything as I go, but don't want to do so in a place like Facebook where everyone I know can scrutinize my decisions. This seems like a good place.
I'll be starting the two-week pre-op clear liquid diet in the morning. Dr. Illan will perform my procedure on November 4th. I've never been to Mexico, so I'm excited about going to a new place to start this new life. I may be going alone, which is sad, but I've flown from the US to Malaysia on my own, so it should be just fine.
I received the protein water I ordered from Amazon yesterday and I'm not looking forward to drinking it, but I'm sure I'll manage. I'm going to make a stockpot full of homemade vegetable broth tomorrow and freeze some in single-serve dishes. Going caffeine-free is going to be a huge obstacle, so I think I'm going to brew a gallon of tea with one regular teabag and a few decaf bags to get used to it first.
I'll take starting photos tomorrow, but I don't think I'll post them until I lose some weight and can use them for comparison. I'm at my highest weight currently. A few years ago I was able to lose via diet and exercise getting down below 200 for the first time in over a decade, but that didn't last long. I do believe this is my last chance and I'm ready to change.
Starting Weight (10/21/17): 297
Height: 5'7"

Hello, you sound like you are on the right track. I too am going alone to Mexico with Dr Illan. My surgery is 10/28. The protein drinks are more tolerable very cold. I am on Day 5 of my liquid diet. Each day I have to eat a couple tsp. of toasted chicken breast to stop shaking. Other than that Im doing okay on it. The first 2 days are VERY tough. My surgery is Saturday so I will keep you posted on how everything goes as I experience it. That way you will know exactly what to expect. [emoji4]


51 year old woman
VSG DATE: 10/28/17
5' 5"
HW: 259
CW: 249
SW: ---
GOAL: 135

3 minutes ago, Sherry Rice said:

Going caffeine-free is going to be a huge obstacle, so I think I'm going to brew a gallon of tea with one regular teabag and a few decaf bags to get used to it first.

I was a self professed professional coffee drinker. I loved my coffee. I could drink a cup and go right to sleep. My nutritionist had me give up caffeine three months prior to my surgery. She told me to drink herbal tea. I'm six weeks post op and I haven't gone back to coffee. Strange, I thought that I would go right back to it after surgery. I put 1/2 and 1/2 and splenda in my coffee. I drink the tea plain without anything added. So far herbal tea has been a better choice as I look to stay healthy and slim down.

3 minutes ago, Sherry Rice said:

Going caffeine-free is going to be a huge obstacle, so I think I'm going to brew a gallon of tea with one regular teabag and a few decaf bags to get used to it first.

I was a self professed professional coffee drinker. I loved my coffee. I could drink a cup and go right to sleep. My nutritionist had me give up caffeine three months prior to my surgery. She told me to drink herbal tea. I'm six weeks post op and I haven't gone back to coffee. Strange, I thought that I would go right back to it after surgery. I put 1/2 and 1/2 and splenda in my coffee. I drink the tea plain without anything added. So far herbal tea has been a better choice as I look to stay healthy and slim down.

Along with photos, don't forget to take your measurements too!

That's great that you are right after me! We can stay in touch through all of this. My dr put me on clear liquids only for the next two weeks, so I don't get to eat fruits or veg. I'm so looking forward to mushy foods and that's several weeks away! I'd love some cottage cheese or refried beans right about now. Are you in England?

No I’m in Australia [emoji16] yay we can keep in touch. Good luck with the pre op... we just have to do it eh!!!! [emoji16]

Along with photos, don't forget to take your measurements too!

Good idea!!!!

Sherry, I really appreciate that you are willing to share your experiences! I'm feeling weak and shaking a bit. I'm glad to hear it's better after the first two days. I can't wait to hear how Saturday goes for you!!

Danny, it's great to hear you haven't had the desire to go back to coffee. I'm hoping to never want another Dr Pepper. I love unsweetened tea as well, so at least I'm not going to have to only drink something I don't like forever. I bought decaf tea bags today to give them a go.

Biginjapan, I'll do that today. Thanks for reminding me!

Eden, Australia, so great! I noticed the spelling differences and it took me back to my days of editing an academic journal with British contributors. I just put a pot on the stove filled to the brim with veggies to make a broth. I wanted to eat the celery so bad, but I didn't! I'm going to feed the veg scraps to my friends giant hunting dog after I strain the broth. I'm excited to meet so many new people here!