New forum member - I wasn't worried until I started reading this forum. It made this event so real. I really appreciate all your comments. I have been on this journey since November as I am working with a university researcher (I also work at the same university) so my path is rather strange. Been on liquids for two weeks now and will have liquids for a full month, "mush" for a full month, soft food for a full month and begin eating real food by August 18. I have had many surgeries so that is no problem but i am mandated to take off a week to recover -- I am an over-achiever and my doctor knows where my office is!!!

Any words of advice?

First good luck on your surgery and best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Second, over-achiever or not, give yourself time to heal! Rushing it will only make things worse.

Third, don't weigh yourself the first week. It will not be pretty due to all the fluids they give you in the hospital!

Fourth, make sure you have some good "before" photos. You don't have to share them with anyone but they're a great reference. You'll be amazed at how your brain will say "I don't think I look that different" and the photos are a kick in the reality!

Other than that, please update us as you go along!