I went a little crazy last night (up late again) and ordered a whole bunch for post-op goodies. Vitamins, Protein powders (even though I already have one that I like here), and samples of other goodies like sugar free syrups to be able to change the flavors of my protein drinks. I also ordered the chicken broth protein which I heard is delicious when you are sick of sweet protein shakes. I also got a flavorless to add to other things later. Here is a list of the things I ordered. Anyone tired any of these. I ordered some samples to be sure of what I will like. No matter which surgery I do I know I will be diligent with the protein and vits becasue I already have started all of that a while ago. 1 (1545) Bariatric Advantage Chewable $16.99 $16.99 Multi Formula (High in A,D,E & K) Tropical Flavor 60 tabs/btl 1 (6170) Tor SF Coffee Syrup 750 ml $7.49 $7.49 1 (4110) Vitalady ISOPURE Dutch $1.99 $1.99 Chocolate Sample 1 (4120) Vitalady ISOPURE Creamy Vanilla $1.99 $1.99 Sample 1 (4310) Vitalady ProComplex Chocolate $1.99 $1.99 Sample 1 (4320) Vitalady ProComplex Vanilla $1.99 $1.99 Sample 1 (1646) Global Health UpCalD Individual $15.99 $15.99 Serving Packets Powdered Calcium Citrate (500mg) with Vit. D3 (250IU) 120 packets/box 1 (1706) Vitalady Tender Iron (25mg $15.99 $15.99 Carbonyl Iron) 400 tabs/btl 1 (6140) Torani Choc Macadamia Nut $7.49 $7.49 Syrup 750 ml 1 (6602) DaV SF Chai Tea Concentrate 750 $9.49 $9.49 ml unjury Full size ------------------------------ 1 Chicken Soup 1 Unflavored Oh, it was about $100 for all of this stuff but I want to get prepared and have it all here. My friend who has RNY 4 yrs ago said to have SF popscicles and the Swanson's chicken broth. She said those felt like heaven to her post-op. I would love to hear how you all are preparing... Gina

I just wanted to congratulate you on your date ...

Michael, Good luck to you. Although we all worry about the things that go wrong, it is important to remember that the vast majority of surgeries go totally as planned. Cleveland Clinic is a good choice, and I'm sure you will be fine. I would guess the worst possible outcome would be that you remain exactly as you are after the surgery. It must be hard to go so far from home to have your surgery. I hope you have a planned support system for post surgery. I'm apprehensive too; I'm worried that I'll have the surgery, get off my meds, rule out diabetes, get rid of GERD, and not lose a single pound. I'm actually afraid of gaining weight after the surgery. See? We all have our head trash; it just varies in type. Again, good luck.

Hi Gail... Sounds like you are gearing up just as I am! I have been trying all the protien drinks for taste and amount of protein. I am stocked to the hilt with things I should eat and drink, and I'm crossing my fingers that this surgery will be the answer for me. Like you, I have a tiny diabetes problem, except that I am pre-diabetes. I refused to have the Glucose Tolerance Test performed, because I did not want a diagnosis of diabetes on my medical record. I am hoping my A1C and fasting return to normal post surgery, and THEN I will have the GTT to prove I don't have it afterall. Want to know what my greatest fear thus far was? (You can laugh.) I was afraid I couldn't compile a decent liquid diet menu and that I would end up drinking protein shakes and having a pill ****tail daily. You know, I worried about this for a good two solid months before I realized I was a bit smarter than I was acting. Gail, if you really wish to have a change in your life, then you will. Coming from a meat and potatoes background I can understand your apprehension. Maybe if we look at this as a challenge against what we don't wish to be anymore it will be easier. I'd like to buy clothing from the normal racks instead of looking through the baggy, sack and blocky styles only to find large florals or strange colored clothes. (Do they think we WANT to stand out???) Carbs are like weeds. Wouldn't it be nice if carbs were good for you and weeds turned into beautiful flowers? Well, I don't see that happening, so it is going to take major reconstruction in our thinking. Are you up for the task? I'M SURE YOU ARE!!! You have come this far, and you know what has to be done. We can do it together. I was hesitant to post, since my situation is different from the majority online. And I didn't want others to look down their noses at me so if my answers and thoughts seem a bit guarded, that's why. We will be fine.... and we will arise from the ashes newborn. WE ARE WOMEN! And we can do anything.

Hay Gina: WE are ALL anxious.. and sometimes nervous, but most of the time I can calm myself down and breathe.... it just takes patience, perserverance, and all that kind of stuff, and yes, being a looney toon. I'm one! I've put this surgery off in my mind for a few years, finally when I was hurting so bad just walking around, my husband encouraged me to think about doing the surgery again. He didn't ask me, he told me to do it! Thats his way. Of course, I can decide what to do at any given moment, but I really need this professional help, this tool to help me finally battle the insanity that I have with food, my first addiction. I believe that God is bringing me to this point to do it, and one way to stop anxiety (besides meds) is that scripture, be anxious for nothing and in all things give thanks! Hope to hear from all of you! Gail.