@RealScoobyDoo

An endoscopy is when they put a tube down with a camera to look at your stomach and esophagus. "scoped" Usually you have conscious sedation for it (I don't remember any of mine). I had one because of an esophageal structure, which was diagnosed by a barium swallow. A barium swallow or Upper GI series is different...that's where you drink the white stuff, sometimes it's thin, sometimes it's thick. It was chalky, but it's didn't taste too bad. Hope this helps with the confusion with the different terms. Sent from my iPhone using VST

Yay Amanda! When you read this you'll be done! Sent from my iPhone using VST

Akmak crackers are awesome. I find them right next to the rye crisp crackers and Wasa in the grocery in my rural Iowa town. If you can find them here you can find them anywhere! Sent from my iPhone using VST

Surgery March 29, and I've finished day 6 of preop diet and am down 8 pounds-yay! The first day was hard, and the second day I had a mean headache from cutting down on caffeine. But the hunger is gone, thank goodness. The hardest part is cooking for the kids...It's such a habit to clean their plate la when they're done. I'll be glad to be rid of that habit, for sure. 12 days to go!

Donatelife.... Are you sure you are on clears for 2 weeks? Maybe you meant liquids? Usually patients are on clears to "clear" out their digestive tract, not to lose weight. If it's really clears you could add some unflavored protein powder to your drinks. Sent from my iPhone using VST

Can someone please tell me how I can cash in on the job that will pay me to lose weight? Maybe it will pay for my surgery!

Any Easter weekend sleevers in Tijuana want to go to Mass with me? (even of you're not Catholic). Consider it an intercultural experience. There's a church right across from the Marriott, but there's a bigger church 1/2 mile away that has services every hour. Sent from my iPhone using VST

"I've had lots of NSV's (from a size 22 to an 18)." "Im trying to focus on the NSVs but I sympathize with your frustration." Sorry to be so dense....but still can't figure out what NSV is! Sent from my iPhone using VST

Your surgeon is a sadist. I know we should do what he/she says, but all the different diets are so arbitrary.

Yup, I agree with everyone above. I'm doing an Atkin's Induction-type diet and have lost 6 pounds in 4 days. The first 24 hours can be rough, but then you're home free...no more hunger. And drink lots of water. Good luck!

Sorry...what's NSV stand for? Deb

I'm not a Cancun fan...it's like being in Maimi, IMHO....but I love love love Puerto Vallarta. We used to go there on vacation every March. Very much like what you invision Mexico being. Sent from my iPhone using VST

Look what happens when I don't check the forum for a day! Wow. So, in my opinion, WLS is like finding religion. New converts to any religion are in one of two camps. Some are so excited they want to run out and tell the whole world, so that maybe someone else can find what they've found. And when people ask what has changed about them, they say they've joined XYZ church. And that okay. Some people are more private and chose the more solitary route, telling a few close friends or someone who is struggling spiritually and seems to really need an answer. But mostly, they grow in their faith, gain confidence and then after that they may feel more confident sharing. We are all on the same path to wellness and a new life, regardless of how much, when, and to whom we disclose. Sent from my iPhone using VST

NSVs? Sent from my iPhone using VST

NSVs? Sent from my iPhone using VST

Caglefan... Seriously, try the Unjury chocolate. It tastes like chocolate milk and each shake has 21gm of protein EACH. They ship really fast. I have tried five different brands and the Unjury is the one I know I will be able to keep down after surgery. Deborah

Hey prettyinpink....will see you there!

Hey, pixie.... I think if you asked everyone here who has had the surgery they will tell you that try were scared. The only difference is now they are on the way to a new life! Deborah Day #3 of preop diet Starting weight 206 Today 199 woo-hoo! Surgery march 29 Sent from my iPhone using VST

Pammie...if Lissa's suggestion doesn't help it could be an esophageal structure. Have you tried some omeprazole? If you aren't doing pills yet it comes in a capsule that you can open and sprinkle on some applesauce. If omeprazole doesn't help I'd call your doc. Sent from my iPhone using VST

I was out shopping yesterday and had like 3 Atkins shakes I was so hungry with all the food smells. But I remembered what someone here said...."Carbs are the devil!" Deborah Day #3 preop diet Scheduled March 29 Dr Garcia Tijuana Sent from my iPhone using VST

Jc4444 I'm on day#3 of my early-starting preop diet. I was sick of the constant binging...the last "meal" I had was a big order of wings and washed it down with a pint if coffee ice cream. I totally felt like crap and then went on a Protein shake diet. The first day was tough, but then ketosis kicked in and I'M NOT HUNGREY! It actually feels great. And I'm finally getting my Water in (thanks for the prompts, cindysc). Surgery date is the 29th...gettin excited! Deborah

Jay1234 ...thanks so much for your post! Isopure to drink already? Or for dressing changes? Deborah Sent from my iPhone using VST

Minime...try infant wind drops. It's the same active ingredient, simithicone. In tablets they are 80mg I think, and the strips are 60mg. So you would just use whatever amount equals about that. Deborah

Hi Michelle I started my preop diet today with surgery almost three weeks away. I hope to lose 10 pounds. Deborah Sent from my iPhone using VST

Fatrosie...your earlier post said you started at 262? I can't believe that...ygoodyear your weight really well and your scars look like little scratches. Deborah Sent from my iPhone using VST