I have been poked and prodded and have suffered countless indignities in preparation for my lap-band surgery. I have watched bloody slideshows and You-Tube videos and heard horror stories galore about potential problems associated with the surgery itself; yet, what did I fear worse than death itself? HUNGER!!!

I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that during my Pre-Surgery Liquid Diet I would be starving to death! I worked myself into a bit of a snit at the prospect. I had a “Food Funeral” for all my favorite foods I would never again be able to enjoy: I mourned the loss of the Southern Cheeseburgers at the Penguin Drive-In, said a fond farewell to ribs at Shane’s Rib Shack, shed a tear for my husband’s gourmet grilled Rib-Eyes. I did so much goodbye-ing, that I gained 5 extra pounds prior to the coming of the Grim Reaper, bringing with him the Liquid Diet of Death!!!

I did my ground work, you betcha! I researched and researched the most palatable Protein Powder. I bought a shaker, a new blender, and stockpiled Campbells 98% fat free Cream of_________ (you fill in the blank) Soups until I had enough put by to see me through a nuclear holocaust! I sampled this Protein Powder, and that, until I came to the conclusion that none of them are too tasty, but with some doctorin’, they’re almost as good as a Chick-Fil-A shake (without the whipped cream, of course!) I was even able to go out to eat with my family without salivating all over their meals. Those protein shakes are pretty filling, and seem to give me heaps of energy!

The first day of the much feared liquid diet came and went…and guess what? I didn’t starve to death! I didn’t even get hungry! Another day passed…still, not too bad! The morning of the third day of the Liquid Diet I hopped on the scales, and was surprised to find that five pounds I’d gained during my week long“Food Funeral” were all gone!

Today began the 5th day of the Liquid Diet, and I was down another pound and a half…6.5 so far! If I can avoid the Papa John’s commercial featuring the close-up of the pizza with bubbling cheese, I might just make it through this next couple of weeks alive!