Gene1970

Awesome!!! Congratulations!!! I made the VERY same decison a week ago Satururday and I'm a long time Coke addict. Coke has made me smile so many times, but dropping those pounds is going to make me smile even more.

I had my first appointment with the Dr. on the 9th and now I am scheduled for surgery. The countdown begins... I start a 2 week pre-op diet in just 2 week which is mostly protien shakes and liquid but the Dr said I could include lean chicken and cottage cheese up until the last 2 days of the diet. I stopped drinking soda over a week ago now which was a huge addiction to me. Can't wait until I can start posting that I'm dropping the pounds and seeing some big changes. Anyone else having surgery on the 13th?

I have not had the surgery yet, but was just looking at my diet restrictions post op and it shows that I can add potatoes back in around 8 weeks out. I would think a baked potato with butter spray would be your most healthy option.

Pre-Op Diet for me... One Protein shake for Breakfast One Protein Shake for lunch One protein shake for dinner I can also have Lean chicken breasts and cottage cheese at any meal. Consume a MINIMUM of 64 ounces of clear fluids between Protein Shakes (OMG) approved liquids Water or flavored water crystal light propel G2 sugar free KoolAid Sugar Free Popsicle Sugar Free Jello Chicken or Beef broth Ocean Spray Sugar Free Drink Mixes As far as soda Diet or otherwise it's recommended that you do not have carbonated beverages post surgery so my thought is it's best just to stop drinking them as soon as possible (which is why I stopped). I hate most diet soda's anyway so it didn't even appeal to me to swap to diet.

Thanks Dalton!!! You'll do great on the pre-op diet You'll stick to it because you have to. I know I won't be happy doing it but I'll stick to it because I have no choice if I want surgery... and I WANT surgery!!! is your Dr allowing chicken in your pre-op diet?

Good luck today and Congrats!!!!

You'll know when you are ready. I had already mentally preparing and telling myself that I wanted to stop prior to surgery. I knew that surgery will have it's own set of mental challanges without adding the soda addiction to it. A week ago last Saturday night I was sitting at home and had just opened a Sprite (after already drinking several Cokes for the day) and I just made the decison right then that this was going to be my last soda. I didn't wake up thinking this is my last day it was just a split second decision and I have stuck too it. The first couple of days are the hardest.

Thanks!!!

Thanks Artsy!!! I totally agree with you, I plan to never drink another soda and the primary reason is that it's an been an addiction for me all of my life. I stopped drinking it for a couple of months years ago and I let myself just have one or two after that and I went right back to drinking it all the time. I can't just have one. I love iced tea so that will be my new drink of choice. Crystal light is also good. It's a decision that I am making for life... hopefully a long one

Thanks!!! I will be sure to keep everyone posted. My surgery is in KC, so I'm hoping its a smooth ride home .

I just met with the Dr. yesterday and the NUT, I was told that it used to be that they recommended no straw but the thinking has changed and now it's whatever you can tollerate.

Great information!!!! I have a pretty long list already but still adding. Wheetsin... I don't know if I have to see Dr. Sabapathy or not? What type of Dr is Sabapathy? I'm happy that you think so highly of Dr. Hoehn... that makes me feel really good about having the survery in KC since I live in STL.

Good Luck to both of you today!!!! Keep us posted with how you are feeling Post Op.

Congrats!!!! I have my first appointment with the Dr. Tomorrow and have to pick a date, but think I'll be having my surgery in June as well. I'm self pay so the date is pretty much up to me, just trying to work it into my work schedule.

I have a feeling that almost everyone that is a member here can relate to what you are saying. Food has been a blanket for a lot of us for so very long. Food makes us happy, it comforts us when we are down, it tastes good... and now it's something that has taken a back (or soon will) in our lives. I haven't even had surgery yet and I'm already anxious about giving up food. I know that I too will have many days that I will not be inthe best of moods or not want to hang out with other people while they are eating. Posting your thoughts here is a good start for you, I think you will find you have a lot of supporters. Hang in there... It WILL get better. I know this from talking to people who have had WLS in the past and have been able to move past those feelings.

Don't think about what you are Losing... Focus on what you are going to be gaining. Better health, more energy, the ability to eat less and lose weight, the list goes on and on. Congrats on the surgery in just under 2 hours. Good Luck!!!!

Good luck to you both. Keep yourselves busy today and try not to think about tomorrow. Before you know it you will be out of surgery and recovering.

I have loved reading everyone's responses. I have still not decided exactly who I will tell and who I will not, but some of the comments that I have read will certainly help me in my decision. I have a feeling that I will end up telling a lot more people than I had previously thought.

Congratulations!!!! Think of it as a blessing, you will be so busy this week getting things done prior to surgery that you won't have enough time to sit and worry about the surgery or be nervous. Before you know it the surgery will be over!!!

Very exciting!!! don't be nervous, I'm sure everything will go great and In just a couple hours you will be on your way to a wonderful new you!!!! Keep us posted on how you feel after surgery. All the best!!!

Congratulations!!!!!

One thing to always keep in mind is that prior to having the sleeve (which I don't have yet) if you wanted to cheat on a diet... well you just cheated and there were no consequences. This is different and you need to constantly remind yourself of that. You could do some serious damage if you try to eat the wrong things too early. The risk of damaging your sleeve by trying too much too early is not worth it. 6 weeks now... a lifetime of happiness!!! You can do it!!!!

BKMama. I can totally relate to what you were saying about people giving you grief for turning down food. It's so frustrating sometimes because we live in a world where we are surrounded by food and some people push it on us, yet those same people that offer us the cupcakes and junk can't understand why we struggle to lose weight.

Sounds like you are progressing very well and the pain you are feeling is nothing more than what you would feel with any other abdominal surgery... so that's great. Sounds like you are well on the road to recovery!!! Congrats again!!!! Now the fun part begins.

good point swimmer. Sometimes the pressure from others can weigh you down.