Marisa,
How long do you have to go? I start my pre-op diet on 6/14 for surgery 6/19. I'll keep the hot water trick in mind. Pebbles: Lucky you! One place I went to was 2 weeks, the other was 10 days. The center I'm going through requires only 5 days. Not looking forward to it especially since I have to do the liquids, purees and softs for 6 weeks post surgery. "Real" food will not return until at least August. Good luck to all!!!