Mixed bag of emotions...

So I started my pre-op diet today.  I am mourning the "loss" of food.  I am very hungry.  This is not working so far.  I was looking forward to this and I don't know why I am having such a hard time.  I hear people say the first 3 days are the hardest,  I hope they are right.

I have been cool with the surgery.  Until this point. I think the preop diet is making it "real"  and now I am becoming nervous about things. 

If you are not on clear liquids you may be able to have protein drinks/shakes.  That should help with the hunger. Yes the first few days were the hardest. Do things to keep yourself busy. Find ways of distracting yourself from food (now is not the best time to be watching the Food Network!) Nerves are normal. You are making a life changing committment! Keep checking in here-we have the best group of people ever imagineable, and like myself, all are ready and willing to support you. edited to say: you changed your avatar and name and I didn't know it was you!

I'm preop so take my advice however you will. My advice is, just breathe. Take it minute by minute if you have to. You are fighting an addiction and yes, those first 3 days is your body getting rid of all the toxins that have built up. You will be okay. Just keep reminding yourself that this surgery is going to save your life. Make it a mantra. Good luck and pm me anytime if you just wanna talk.                                         Jamie

I know it is hard, but honestly it is the best thing I did to prepare myself for after surgery. The dr allowed me to add a Pur Protein bar. That made a world of difference. Also, can you have sugar free popsicles and jello? Hang in there. It will be over before you know and you'll be a "loser" like the rest of us. Penny

Melissa - dr halmi is my surgeon as well.  he had me do the 2 week optifast diet before my surgery, by the fourth day, i stopped being hungry, you CAN make it there, just keep busy and keep out of the kitchen! lys

Melissa this is just the first step in your journey. My advice would be to call Dr Halmi's office and talk to Brittany and she will be able to give you some ideas on what you need to be eating. No-one said that this would be easy but it is just a hurdle to get you through surgery.... and stop that liver being too fatty.... Also Dr Halmi has a support group meeting tomorrow evening so you could go and that would help take your mind of things. I will be there too so if you do go please make yourself known to me...... After surgery you will be less hungry. We all became nervous Melissa - that is normal - but we are all here to support you and have all walked in your shoes - lean on us....... Hang in there! Jackie

Keep strong and you will get through this.  Jsut focus on your healthy future and how many more things you are going to be able to do with your hubby and the kids!  I focus every day that is challenging for me on my FUTURE.  You are literally making your new future as we speak.  BIG HUGS!

Hey, Melissa:  It's a struggle, BUT the results will be SO worth it!  Hang in there...and the nerves are perfectly normal.  :)

I am on the optifast diet.  The staying busy is not a problem.  I am extremly busy at work. ANd barley have time to do anything.  Usually I am forcing myself to take a break and eat.   I don't like the shakes.  They are nasty, and I am the type of person that likes almost everything.   I even like protien type drinks.  I am allowed to have sf jello and popsicles.  I found having a jello with the shake helps make it more satisfying.  The bar is not that great, but doable.  I just had the soup and loved it. It was very satisfying.  Thank you all for your support.    

Hey Melissa, it is true that the first few days were the hardest. I struggled, and yes, even cheated a time or 2 and had a salad, but it does prepare you for the after life of WLS! It does get easier and we are here for you! Good luck!