Thursday February 19

[stay75 10]

So I did all my foot work I was sitting around waiting and waiting for the office to get back to me so I started calling. I'm a teacher and have been since this whole thing started, wanting this surgery for the February break and it finally is going to happen. I have to start my liquid diet tomorrow but not really sure what I have to do. Can I have cooked veggies or they have to be raw? My NUTI is going to send my the list Monday. So as of tomorrow it's Protein Shakes for Breakfast lunch and dinner YUM. My date is February 19. The last thing I need to do is go to the doc Wednesday for clearance. I'm so nervous and excited at the same time.

Any extra advice things to do? What should I have in the house before? Any tips?

Thank you all. I have been reading what others have posted which has been lots of help as well.

[Lawrence Baxter 22]

Congratulations. You are taking an important step. And, one of the first is to read all you can with the pre-op posts; there are great ideas and advice.

-Do what you can to to follow your MD's pre-op diet.'

-I also started to edit my refrigerator and pantry [single so it was easier for me.]

-Get the fat free ice pops. It makes a great alternative to Water and it soothes the dessert cravings post-op.

-You may get some saline in your band at surgery [priming]. Ask your surgeon if they did afterwards.

-Your post-op diet is important because your stomach is healing and you don't want to challenge the operation with regular food.

-I started 2 weeks out cutting my food into nickel or dime-sized portions and starting counting chews up to 30 with each bite. I started practicing sipping instead of big swallows with Water and the shakes.

-Be prepared for some shoulder pain if you have a hernia repair. I didn't so my pain was minimal. Buy the GasX strips NOW and be prepared to take after surgery. Be prepared for the "action" those GasX strips produce...especially the 2nd day!!

-Take a pillow with you so that you have some cushion with your seat belt post surgery. I did but didn't have to use.

-If you don't like the prescribed shakes, check the protein/sugar requirements from your pre-op requirements and then go to a store and buy something close to it. I did the Pure Protein powder. Some people cannot do whey Protein.< /p>

-I also started preparing the house. I made certain that the house was cleaned, closed washed, etc.

-The day of surgery and at home, I stayed active...sitting when I needed but then get up to fill up my water cup; doing dishes [no dishwasher]; I even re-arranged a shelf in my pantry [no heavy lifting]; and then walked across the street to visit with my neighbor for 20 minutes. I didn't take to the bed until I was ready to go to bed. STAY MOVING. My neice had her band 2 years ago and she said that she dusted the afternoon/evening after her surgery.

Last piece of advice...remember to breath!! Take deep breaths; It gets oxygen to the brain and keeps you calm. Pre-op includes a shot so that helps you relax and prepare for the surgery.

Good luck. Be well and enjoy the process. It's a new life!

[stay75 10]

Thanks for all the tips they are great. I'm going to finish on working on them today. Monday is when I get more stuff on the post diet. I bought a few shakes for now and some veggies and broth. Have to get the sugar free Jello. Going to go to the movies tonight and that will be my movie treat.

Still nervous and excited

[mare81 0]

Congrats. I also have surgery that day!!

[mare81 0]

How's you liquid diet going

[stay75 10]

So far not too bad. How is yours

[mare81 0]

Doing ok. Lost 5 pounds so far.

[stay75 10]

Me too. I chew lots of sugar free gum