I have jumped through all of the hoops that were laid out by my insurance company.  My surgeon's office submitted my information for insurance approval yesterday.  Now, it's time to sit and wait.  Except, I am not the "sit and wait" type.  I shall prepare to divide and conquer.  

List making has begun:

1. Items to pack for the hospital
2. Books to read after surgery
3. Movies/TV shows added to my Netflix queue
4. Additional questions for my surgeon at my final pre-op appointment
5. Food ideas for the full-liquid stage (which lasts for 5 weeks post-op!)

I have also decided to implement life-long lifestyle changes now, rather than later.  Per my nutritionist, adults can only handle 2-3 major changes at once, so I figure I by starting now, I am setting myself up for success.  Some of these changes I will be working on over the next several weeks are:

1. Eliminate caffeine
2. Eliminate refined sugars
3. Have several smaller meals throughout the day
4. Chew food more thoroughly
5. Eat slowly
6. No liquids with meals
7. No straws
8. No gum
9. Find replacement activities for when head hunger or the urge to boredom eat kicks in
10. Start walking more

Additionally, I have started the process of cleaning out my pantry and freezer, getting rid of any food items that are not in line with my new lifestyle.  If it is something I shouldn't consume after surgery, I certainly do not need it now.  I am not one to waste food, however, I do not want to "waste" my health any further and these items will be removed from my home.  Anything that can go to the food pantry, will.

Lastly, I have begun taste testing various protein shakes and "clear liquids" for those stages after surgery.  I plan to use my blog as a place to post my reviews for me to revisit when the time comes.  

Here goes nothing.  Or everything.