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G Rose, it was about 6 months for me. I did the initial consult the end of March, did my 6 months of weigh-ins, and spent my whole summer running and doing all the pre-op testing. Good thing I was home this summer to do all the testing. I had an appt at least once a week!! It was a lot!!

How is the sodium in it?

I bought Muscle Milk Light. I tried it and it seems doable enought to drink for the pre and post op. I want to check with my dr. first, but I also heard about using Carnation Instant Breakfast Sugar Free with a tablespoon of unflavored protein. If that is acceptable, that will probably be my way to go, since it tastes so much better, and it's a lot cheaper!!

I didn't even realize there was a difference in sizes. My dr. never discussed that with me, nor was it ever brought up in the mandatory 2 hour info course that I took. I think I'll call the office on Monday and ask. But if anyone has info, please share!

Lisa, I am starting my pre-op on Nov.1, though I do not have to start until the 4th. My date is the 11th. But like you, I am eager to get started and get adjusted. My doc requests 7 days of liquids and the day before to be all clear liquids. The liquid diet includes shakes, puddings, yogurt and soups with mushy noodles/rice. I can also have a few saltines if needed too. The nutritionist in the the dr's office created a pre op diet for me to follow. She also created a menu for the 2 week post-op and transtion weeks also. I will do my very best to follow it so I don't get sick or have any problems.

I am on the 11th. I am supposed to do a 7 day pre op liquid diet, but I am starting mine Nov 1 to get a little hopefully get a little more weight off. The day before surgery is complete Clear Liquids, like broth, Jello, Water. I have a liquid diet, that includes shakes but can consist of very soft foods like yogurt, pudding, Soups, like Healthy Choice, etc. My docs office has a nutritionist there that we are required to meet with. She created a menu for me for the pre-op, post-op, and all the transition diets. I will do my very best to follow these to avoid problems.

I may seriously consider that since CIB is a lot cheaper than the Protein shakes, and tastes so much better!! I jsut have to check with my nutritionist!!

G, I am using Dr. Geiss. What a nice man, and the whole office is so helpful and supportive!! What insurance do you have? I have GHI. There was so much pre op testing to do! It took about 8 weeks to do it all!! I have to do 7 days of a liquid diet. But I decided I will start on 11/1, until the day before my surgery, which is 11/10. I may as well get used to it!! The extra few days will not kill me, and I can hopefully lose a little more weight. Slim, now that is a good idea! I am kind of worried about getting tired of all the shakes. So I will definitely follow your suggestion. Which Protein mix did you use? I hear unjury is good.

Dr. Geiss in Syosset, LI

These are such great ideas!! Thanks for starting this thread! I would love to try the hot chocolate idea!! I wonder if that would be okay for my pre-op. My diet is not a strict protein shake diet, but rather just a liquid diet.

Wow, lots of November birthdays!! Happy Birthday Deb and Mel!! My birthday is November 13, and I am getting banded on Nov. 11. Yes, I agree this will be the best birthday present we can give ourselves!! purple, how are ya girl??? I guess we live on complete opposite ends of the Island! I am in W. Nassau. I have the Muscle Milk Light 100 calories. I like it. It sort of tastes like Yoo-hoo. I also bought the Myolplex Light too. It tastes okay also. I know the CIB is good to use for the pre-op diet, but I am not sure afterwards. I would like to use that too, since it does taste better than the others and is way cheaper!! I really want to look at the Medifast hot chocolate. I love hot chocolate and it's the only hot beverage I drink. I heard mixed reviews about it though, so I have to think about it. Dave, sorry you got postponed!! Please feel free to come hang out here. We all have the same questions and issues whether you are here or in the Dec group! Good night all!!

Deb, welcome aboard! Glad to have you here!! As for the liquid diet for pre-op, it depends on your dr. My doc advises a liquid diet 7 days before the surgery, with the day before surgery being all clear liquids. Some ddrs do not even require a liquid diet before surgery. The main purpose for the liquid diet is to lose more weight to reduce fatty tissue on the liver, since it will be moved around during the procedure. I always have trouble losing weight, hence doing this surgery!! I have managed to lose about 15 lbs in the past 6 months, which is not so great. I just keep yoyo-ing!

I have a blender, but was sondering if I am better off with one of those Magic Bullet type blenders. I did buy mostly RTD shakes, but will have to liquefy Soups and other foods druing the first few weeks. What do you plan to use?

Thanks poppies!! I appreciate the feeback!!

I went for the Ninja. i ordered it this morning. I did a lot ot research and it got great reviews. Hoping it does the trick for me!

QueensCyn, Hi neighbor! I am in Elmont too!! I am also having my surgery with Dr. Geiss on 11/11. When is your consultation??

I love hot chocolate!! It is the only hot bevreage that I drink. Has anyone used the Medifast hot chocolate? Can you use it with skim milk instead of Water? How does it taste? Just wondering if I should purchase it. It is a little pricey, and would like a review first. Thanks!

hazel, I'm using Dr. Geiss and having the procedure done at North Shore in Syosset. Where are you on LI??

I hope you don't mind me being here, but I'm getting banded on 11/11. But the LI title caught my eye, so I thought I'd introduce myself. I live in Elmont. Dr. Geiss is doing my surgery too. Were you pleased with him and the services in his office???

erik, I bought Muscle Milk Light RTD shakes. I got them at BJ's for 18/$24.99. That is a pretty good price. I tasted and liked it, so that is what I got. I am interested in the Medifast hot chocolate, as I love hot chocolate! That's the only hot beverage I drink. I also bought the Carnation Instant Breakfast sugar free to use as well. I have to look into vitamins, as I have not started them yet. I'll look into the chewables though. I thought I read somwewhere that you can take 2 children's chewables, so I may shack with up with my son's Flintstones!

Nice to see all the new members here!! Hi to all of you!! My date is 11/11, so as of 11/1, I am starting my pre-op diet. The longer I am on it, hopefully the more weight I will lose. Been under a lot of stress lately. My 94 year old nana was in the hospital and thankfyully is doing better. We had to get in a assisted living facility right away. My mom passed away, so my 2 brothers and I were feverishly rushing to get things is order for her. Needless to say, stress+me= unhealthy foods!! UGH!! But I am trying to get back on track, and as I said, 11/1 is my start date for pre-op. I have gradually been buying the things I need, and will get the rest of it tomorrow. My nutritionist said to have at least 95 shakes available for the 2 week post op diet. I cannot believe it is almost here!! I am just so excited to change my life!!

Fluff, how are you today????

Bella, btw, my surgery is the 11th, on Veteran's Day. I cholse that day since I am off from school. (I'm a teacher too). Thanksgiving will not be as fun this year for me too, but will be worth the sacrifice! I guess I'll be doing mashed potatoes and pukmkin pie filling too! Maybe even some pureed turkey, since that will be my exact 2 week mark! My birthday is the 13th, so I'll be doing liquids on my b-day. I wonder if they b-day cake flavored protein shakes?? LOL!!

I like that Bella!! How do we change it????