The more I research, the more questions I get!

 ...And I know that is the whole point but, it is driving me crazy!
So, I am not new to the process but FINALLY got my referral from my PCM to nutrition (which is the first step for my insurance). I have a mandatory WLS class to attend on 13 July, and the waiting is KILLING me! 
I guess since it has been such a long and hard fought battle to even get to this step, it is just torture and I know the next 3 weeks are going to drag by-oops sorry ranting!
y main question that I have now, after looking at several variations of diets from several of the big centers is how the heck do you guys actually consume all the liquid from the start?
It seems that "they" say (and I focus on the RnY-what I plan to get) is that you need 64 oz liquid a day, 64oz protein (and I know they can overlap) but if you are only eating 1 -3 oz at a time, don't you then fall into the grazing that I hear is not the best?
I also have to say my BFF (who is 20 yrs + post RnY) is amazed at how the industry has changed since she was a RN in the field back then and a newbie patient! She has told me to worry about my protein first, and not to graze, but that's also tempered with "your doc's will give you the right plan you need to follow". 
I know I am jumping the gun, but now with all my time at work and home spent googling...lol lordy I am going crazy!
Thanks for letting me get that out there, it feels better to just get it out of my head!
Jenn

 Step away from Google!  Your surgeon will put you on a diet that makes sense.  Yes, it seems like grazing but you will eventually be on 3 meals per day.  Don't worry!

I remember reading everything I could get my hands on too. It was fun, exciting, scary and confusing. Remember, of course, to always follow your Dr's plan (its amazing how much they differ from Dr to Dr, even with the same surgery type) that being said...

in the beginning (up till about 8 weeks) you are just doing your best... every day you aim for better than the last... more water, more protein but it is hard and most of us fall short, way short. Eventually... you will reach your Dr's daily goals for both (and LOL then you will think you broke your new anatomy because it will be too easy.)

Best advice I can give you is read and research but know that everyone is different and you'll be taking things one day at a time and doing what works for a bit ;)

Best wishes to you!!
~Michelle "Shelly"

Things HAVE changed a lot in 20 years. Science is like that. (*grin*)

No one really expects you to consume everything from Day One. What you're reading about are GOALS. Hydration is the A-Number-One goal immediately post-op---because dehydration leads to a cascade of other problems, some of which can kill you. (Comforting, right? *grin*)

It's really a lot more 'doable' that you might think. On a different WLS-related site, there's a wonderful essay about how to time and measure your drinking immediately post-op. Google 'proboards' and 'WLS' and you'll find it.

And---there are four different kinds of WLS, and the post-op lifestyle of each is very different. Twenty years ago when your BFF had WLS, the choices where more limited. The WLS I chose, the DS, was then (and pretty much still IS) the 'best-kept secret' of the WLS world. Before you make your final decision about what's best for YOU, you really need to research and understand them ALL. (Well, not really---the LapBand SUCKS, in my not-so-humble opinion. *grin*)

As a DSer, I DO graze---it's about the only way to get in the 120+ grams of protein I really, truly NEED every day. Of course, grazing isn't really a problem for DSers, as long as we graze on high-protein, high-fat foods---like bacon, cheeses, nuts, well-marbled meats (pastrami, pepperoni, other sausages, ham/chicken/tuna salads full of mayo, etc...) eggs (I'm addicted to deviled eggs!), dairy, rich sauces and gravies...(*drool*)

Just---choose wisely.

Yes 64 oz of water is typically noted, but not 64 oz of protein. It's grams of protein and it's usually more like 75 plus.  You'll learn some data in your classes, and your surgeon will set out a food schedule for you.  BUT, I'd highly recommend attending support groups, beginning now.  You'll learn a lot at these meetings, which will make the first few weeks post op so much easier. DAVE

Thanks! I am slowly backing away from Google! lol
I appreciate all the information and I guess I just need to 'cool my jets' until i get in to speak with the poeple who are going to be in charge of my care.
This is a great site and has been wonderful as far as getting informaiton goes!
Thanks again so much for the input!
Jenn

Things have changed a lot :) There's a lot more research available, now, regarding 'best practices' for the older surgeries like RNY, as well as, newer options. For example, before making a final decision  you might want to consider a surgery that spares the pylorus (valve that controls the flow of food out of your stomach) and provides the benefit of significantly improving your ability to be 'satisfied' by largely removing the hormones that make you hungry.  VSG and DS do both those things while DS has added malabsorption that is permanent while the malabsorption from RNY ends after several years. 

Best wishes on your journey regardless what surgery you choose!