I have my pre-op class today at SW Wash Medical Center. My surgery date is the same as yours as well as the surgeon, Dr Patterson on 7-18-08. Maybe we will see each other.
As for pre-op diet, I was not told to drink opti fast 10 days prior to surgery. All I was told to do was eat their pre-op diet which includes stuff like cottage cheese, tofu, tuna, salmon, chicken etc.