finding_onederland

@@Patchakc you are not alone ! I start two weeks of pre-op liquids Monday (& I have to do two weeks post op also) Hang in there! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm starting two weeks of liquids on Monday......any survival tips for me?

@@ojibway Thanks - good luck with the rest of your liquids & your surgery! @@Dub - Good advice, thanks!

I hope so too! I know it can be brutal!

@@OutsideMatchInside is there an unflavored protein that you would recommend?

thank you both @@OutsideMatchInside and @@trekker954 and 18 pounds? wow!!!

Congrats on approaching the finish/starting line! Good Luck!

This is one of my biggest fears! I am glad to know that Nexium may be an option. Question for both of you, @ and @justthere4theshow - did either of you have reflux before the sleeve? Or a hernia? I have occasional heartburn now, but I have a hiatal hernia that the doc is fixing at the same time as my sleeve.

Congrats on your approval! I don't have any tips to share - I am still pre-op. Super jealous that you are not required to do a pre-op liquid diet, mine starts Monday.

Sounds like you have a great surgeon! Hope you heal quickly from your Gall Bladder surgery and Good Luck with your surgery on 9/6!

I feel exactly the same way! It seems like they drag the process out on purpose. I know some of it is to educate us, and to help us adapt to a new lifestyle and way of thinking. But It can make you crazy! Hang in there!

I am approved - just waiting to hear back from the scheduler, but it's looking like my surgery will be 9/6!

Did you receive a nutrition guide from your surgeon's office? This is what is on my list for the pre-op liquid phase, but every surgeon is different. May be worth a call to the office! Pre-op Liquid Phase (2 weeks prior to surgery) Water Decaf Coffee/Tea SF Jello SF Popsicles broth 1% Skim Milk LF Cottage cheese Light (RedCal) Yogurt Low Carb Protein shakes SF pudding No sugar added fudgesicles No sugar added hot choc LF Creamy Soups (strained) Tomato Soup Unsweetened applesauce Cream of wheat/oatmeal or grits (1x per day)

Congrats & Best of luck with the surgery!

My insurance company (Horizon BCBS, NJ) told me to expect a 5 day turnaround - but they decided they needed a second review and told me that it could take 7-14 days for the second review Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Good Luck!

@@luvelye1101 I asked my doc about loose skin (which I think is inevitable) but he suggested proper hydration and weight training to help the skin bounce back. I have read about skin firming lotions also. I am concerned about loose skin too (I am pre-op) but anyone I have asked has said they would take the loose skin over the weight any day.

I would be bummed too! Sorry you have to wait!

Nice work!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

It makes me sad that your brother would say this to you - I think it should be obvious that you did not come to the decision to have your digestive system altered lightly. But I guess as so many others have said, they do not understand the struggle unless they have been there. This is also the reason that I have chosen to tell a few people in my inner circle about my surgery. I've been thinking about this thread since I read it yesterday. Mainly because I have had my own self doubt with regards to the surgery. I have finally come to understand that this surgery is my best option. If it is the easy way out, then so be it! I have tried to lose weight so many times on my own. I have joined weight watchers more times than I can count. I have done south beach, atkins, TLS, slim fast. I have done the meal prepping on Sundays. I have counted points, points plus, smart points, calories, carbs and Protein. I have worked out with a personal trainer, done boot camps at 5:15am, zumba, Water aerobics and jazzercise (not to mention the myriad of exercise videos that I own). With all of these things over the course of the past 20+ years I have yet to achieve a healthy weight. Is it me? Probably?!? Yes, I know what I need to do. My problem is sticking with it long enough to glean the results. This surgery is going to be my insurance policy. My governor when a moment of weakness hits. Yes, I understand that it is just a tool, but I plan to work with it to the best of my ability to achieve a healthy weight. I could continue to fight a good fight, but I am exhausted! If there is a tool that will help me finally lose weight, then why shouldn't I choose to use it??

After reading these threads I checked MFP to look at my carb counts - I don't eat bread or Pasta but my carbs are close to 100 a day (or more) - need to get that number down!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

This is good stuff: