Hopped gingerly on the treadmill tonight. I walked ALMOST a half mile in 18 minutes. Not pushing it, just getting back in the "saddle" so to speak and trying to get rid of the gas. It didn't work.

I had another small BM today. I know no one wants to hear that, but I'm just trying to keep a record. I ventured outside of the clear liquid paramaters since it's day 6 and it's allowed.

I'm going to keep a food log with my journal.

For breakfast I had about 3 ounces of Atkins Shake.

Mid morning I had the very runny yolk of a soft boiled egg.

Lunch time I had about 2 ounces of very thin cream of wheat with butter and splenda.

Dinner I had about 3 ounces of blended split pea soup watered down.

I drank about 20 ounces of water today but it was hard. That's more than I have been and my pee is more light but I know it's still not enough. Each time I put anything into my mouth I get pressure and painful gas. I just can't burp for some reason. I'm walking....I hope it will pass soon.

Hi Littlebird,

I read your journal with a great deal of of interest. I am scheduled for lapband with Dr Ortiz on 9/29. I too am a reformed alchohalic, ex-smoker, and a food addict. I'm not yet familiar with all the things Ortiz's requires of his patients pre and post surgery. I wasn't told to lose 10 lbs (I'm 5'2" and 205#). I thought I would probably be put on a liquid diet pre-op. I was also surprised to read you ate dinner out the night prior to surgery. Oh, and what!? - you woke up during surgery! That is really scary! Aside from that, I enjoyed reading your journal, thanks for sharing and I sincerely wish you much success in your wieght loss goals. Write back if you wish. I will keep reading your story. Sincerely, Susan