What advice can you share?

Hi Kris, it's thisclose and  you'll do great!  However, my WL cinic at FVSD did not require I do the liquid diet prior, only was told not to gain anything.  What really helped me succeed immediately post-op at home was that I'd stocked a shelf in a kitchen cabinet with the allowable full liquids (fat-free cream soups to strain--to which I'd added poultry seasoning to cream of chicken, or mushroom soups--tasted like Thanksgiving dressing!  Added Italian seasoning to cream of celery or tomato soups (be sure to totally strain all your cream soups!) S/F jello and puddings were good to have around.;  I'd even had and appreciated Gerber 1st and 2nd baby food applesauce (to which I added apple pie spice or just nutmeg, and a titch of Splenda.I even added flavor extract to  soy milk--Upon research done, I drank soy milk for about the first seven months then switched to 2%.  Fortunately, my appetite did not return until just over a year out, and by diligently following my program, was well enough into esxtablished habits that I have rarely had carb or sweets cravings.  Very important to start an exercise program now, and modify as you get farther out from surgery.  Initially, walk, walk, sip, sip, walk, sip.....it's all for the reason toward your successful journey!  And this will be a life-time journey, with ultimate destination of health, happiness, and life longevity!    Even at twenty months out, I continue doctoring up the s/f puddings to occasionally enjoy.  For about the first six months I continued lo-carb, high-protein drinks using EAS whey protein powder, having unflavored, vanilla, and chocolate.  I added protein powder to anything possible, to keep the protein intake up to par.  I found that using flavor extracts was smart, adding lemon, or raspberry, or almond, or French vanilla, or peppermint to a protein drink or even vanilla s/f pudding added variety, which all my life I've thrived on variety!  Each time I had, and still finish eating, I set my kitchen timer for thirty minutes so I know when to begin drinking water.  I occasionally add a little Crystal Lite or VitaSplash to boost some flavor.  Wow, this is long, but when asked for my help, I have so much to share!  I have notebooks full of 'recipes' for every phase of the journey, and am happy to share anytime!  Best of the best to you sweetie, and take a deep breath, it's definitely the ride of your life, especially when you'll have tons of WOW! moments all along the way--I even still have them, and love it!  Hugs galore, Patti

First -- you are welcome!!!  I think everyone needs to pass on their knowledge to help those who are after us.   Second -- Make a list of things you want to get done during the 10 days before the surgery and for the time you will have off after the surgery -- so you have a goal to concentrate on besides food.   I practiced the "rules" for two months before surgery so the 10 day LD was a breeze -- Once you get past the 3rd day, its all good!!!  Just stay focused on the prize.  Ten days -- psssh -- breeze compared to the rest of your life!!!   The nervousness -- no one can tell you how to handle those -- we all get them -- just go with the flow.  Cry when you feel like it, feel the doubt and look at the reasons you are doing this.  You'll get over it all and be ready the day of surgery.  It is totally normal -- that's what we'll tell you when you post about it!!! Done differently before/after surgery -- can't think of a thing!!!   XXOO