Rebecca,

By reading your post and what you have already been through. You are much stronger than you think! Look at what you have been thru already... wowza! Bless your heart this posting blessed me tonight. Pity party ... your truth is just that your truth dont be dismissive of the ups and downs of this journey. Its hard as heck to remember the most important part of the process.... US!!

Thank you for sharing and just so you know you gave me encouragement tonight. Speak victory over your situation and celebrate where you have come from... and just give yourself a break. I struggle with being so critical of myself and not recognizing what i have already accomplished. So you are not alone in your struggle believe me. I have been feeling less than great for the past few months due to health setbacks and feeling like i have failed. And a very nice to me to get over it and give myself a break. Simple words but very profound... as I would never be as hard on someone else as I am on myself. Feel better and just know someone is wishing you well tonight.

Hi Kimberly, 
 Getting ready for RNY April 30 woohoo!! Im am sure you are nervous, excited, scared, happy, all at the same time I was. The first thing I would advise is SUPPORT GROUP , AND a great notebook to use as a quick reference ( I still pull mine out from pre-op class) It and the advice of others and websites have been invaluable for me. My starting weight was 394, pre-op 377 my weight today is 303. My surgery was Oct. 10,2011. 

 I tried and found my protein sources prior to procedure. I used muscle milk ( light) powder and EAS ( walmart) ready to go shakes. Since my surgery I dont tolerate cold drinks. The EAS shakes saved the day for me. Grab a 4pk ( $ 4.97) try them out cold and room temp.If you like them you can get a case at Sams. try them first because you may change after surgery  I got sugar free popsicles, pudding, jello, fudgesiciles, low sodium broth, 60 calories soups,sugar free drink packets ie crystal light,  cream of wheat, protein jello  cups at GNC, measuring cups, strainer, baby spoons, desert plates, tylenol ez tabs, tylenol childrens pain relief, a huge back pillow with arms,  gas x strips!!!!!!!!!!, did you catch that. ( take to hospital with you) they will save the day!!  Pill splitter and pill crusher i put my blood pressure and other meds in sugar free applesauce. Put a dollop of applesauce in the 1oz medicine cup crush pills and put them in it.
 
Start practicing your sipping... I was given several 1oz cups and was asked to drink 4 per hour I had to log them and take to follow up with dtr. I used the one every 15 minutes idea to get it down. sip sip sip start doing it now so it will be in your mind. 

 I had lap procedure and had very little pain even at home and i think it was due to my walking. my mother walked me outside twice a day( yes i felt like a puppy) hated it   and i walked thru each room of the house every few hours.Do as much as you can but dont over do it at all! I couldnt make the corner at first. But just getting up, standing and going out made me feel better. Just put it in your mind now that moving around is vital to recovery.

 I hope you have already stopped any soda or high cal drinks, smoking, no last meal theories, you will eat again... dont think you have to celebrate or mourn eating differently with a pig out. Just say no... have a soup without bread if your family wants to take you out. No alcohol. Get in the habit of not drinking with your meals. I use the 30/30 rule no drinking 30 minutes prior or after my meal. It helped me learn the sensation of satiety.. which is an important feeling to realize.

 well my book is over I just know my experience ( not an expert , just a newbie) I am approaching a 100 pound weight loss. I am on my 5th month since my surgery and it is not easy but what is! I walk 4 miles a day and go to the gym 4 days a week, have a personal trainer. Faithful Support Group Attendee!! The combo of these things and the desire for a new and healthier life and prayers are tools I use every day.  There are days I feel horrible for not taking better care of myself but most days I realize that it is Never to late to start. Each new day is just that a NEW DAY!! I wish you all the best this is my first time posting but I felt like I should.