October 3rd for me too!

I've begun counting the days. I fall asleep dreaming I'm looking in the mirror and seeing myself as slender again. I constantly think about what I'm going to have to change. I have taken myself completely off sugar so I won't dump, or at least will minimize that. I find I spend my time cruising the protein aisle in the health food store. I even find myself in the baby food aisle, looking and preparing. My mind isn't stopping. I am preparing this week to get my advance medical leave taken care of at work. It's getting closer. I think I'm ready. Cheryl

I am October 3 surgery also. If there is anything you can share with me. Let me know. I do not know what I need. I know I need shakes here and I dont know what else. Take Care

Glad to meet some fellow 10/3'ers. We're all getting close, but the preparation is the hard part. I read several posts about what to bring to the hospital. Here's what I plan to bring based on their wisdom: 1. Chap Stick - every SINGLE post said to bring it, so I'm bringing two. 2. Shampoo and conditioner, brush and comb. 3. Bathrobe. 4. Deodorant. 5. My make-up bag, to make me look less ill and feel better about myself. 6. A paperback book. Not hardcover, because I won't want to hold it on my tummy. I'm beginning to prepare for coming home from the hospital and what I'll be able to eat or drink. I found this liquid protein called Cheramino in the local health food store. Two tablespoons give you 20 gm protein. I'm sure that will help a lot because my pouch will only hold one ounce. I'll have my vitamins that Dr. Fobi recommends. He has a specific list, so I will purchase that. He knows what is absorbable and what works best for his patients. Ask your doctor about postop supplementation. I will be on liquids the first week, purees for six weeks after. I have been cruising the baby food aisle, and the portions look about right for the beginning. I have heard two differing opinions on baby food; but I think I might try it first to see if I can handle it. They have some interesting choices. I'm not much for shakes, but the Carb Solutions aren't too bad. I'm going to get Cream of Wheat. I drink Aquafina FlavorSplash water now. It's Splenda sweetened, and I just hate to drink plain water. I drink several a day now. I keep thinking this might be the last time I eat certain foods and I am savoring them. I feel a little "last meal" kinda feeling, though. Please let's stay in touch. Cheryl

This is some great advice. Nice to meet you both. My doctor is going to send me to a dietien before my surgery. I take in every advise I can get. Chap stick is smart. I always get sick after surgery. I am so nausa. Right now I need all the info I can get. I am really in shock it is finally around the corner. I have dreams of me zipping my pants on a flat stomach. real dreams about wearing thin clothes. I used to be thin. I know how it feels. and it feels good, That was 13 years ago. But the memory has never left me. I cant weight to have energy. Take care and Thanks Barb

Cheryl great tips on what to take to the hospital. As for what to eat, I don't know if I could bring myself to eat the baby food but hey you never know what you'll do if you have to. I do love cream of wheat though and could probably live on that for a while. Do you think we'll be able to handle the sugar? I know what you mean about the "last meal" too... LOL. I put on weight after seeing my surgeon back in April and now I'm on Weigh****chers (again) to lose that weight before my surgery! I don't want them turning me away at the last minute for a weight gain! Last week was my first week and I lost 9 lbs thank goodness! I have to lose another 11 before the surgery and I'm pretty sure I can do it, just hate the pressure! Let's definitely all keep in touch!

Hi There! I'm 10/3 as well. I'm so nervous and excited at the same time! I can't imagine what it will be like not being able to eat, but I'm so excited about having a smaller and healthier body finally! Have either of you tried the ISOPURE protein drinks (ready made and they look like water, but they come in flavors so they have a little color)? I tried an Alpine Punch one and it was pretty decent. I think I'm going to stock up on those before surgery. My Vitamin Shoppe carries them and so does GNC for about $3 a bottle I think. It's a pretty big bottle (about 20 oz) and each serving has 40 grams of protein and about 110 calories. Not bad for something that tastes pretty decent! Also my favorite protein powder mix is Carb Solutions Chocolate. Walmart carried it for $9 a can. I toss it in the blender with milk, a banana and ice cubes and I'm good to go! I hope I can tolerate it post op! It's only got about 3 grams of carbs and 20 grams of protein per serving. Looking forward to getting to know you all better! Vi

Who sells these drinks. I have never tried them,. They sound great. ISOPURE protein drinks I need to get me some supplies here. My husband is going to air force school sept 26. He will be in Texas and I will be here. I am glad I have 2 wonderful daughters who are both taking leave to help me. I am kind of glad my husband is leaving. I think I will heal better with him away. We have a stressful Marriage. and have alot of problems. I think I would heal better with him gone. He can make my blood pressure rise in a matter of seconds. So we will need to work on our marraige. I hope we can save it. Married 12 years no kids with him. He is a grumpy man. Take Care

I bought Isopure at the Vitamin Shoppe but GNC sells them too. Any vitamin store probably carries them or you can order on line. As for Carb Solutions, I buy it at Walmart but I've had a hard time finding it lately. Sorry to hear about your marriage. I've been married 14 years and we have been living in separate rooms for the past year and a half. That was my choice and after surgery I will start the divorce too. We have 2 boys who are 7 and 10 years old and it breaks my heart to do this to them, but I can't live with their Dad anymore. So I do understand what you are going through. Glad to hear you have your daughters to help you out. I've been trying to figure out which of my friends to ask to drive me to the hospital!

I havent been sleeping with my husband either. He does not want me to have this surgery. He has called me fat names before. Now that has stopped. He knows it is not working out. He has been under my skin. It is like I cant stand him anymore. WE have no romance at all. It Is that I do not want that affection. I just dont want it to be with him. He has done me in. I can honestly say. I fell out of love with him. and I dream of finding true love and happyness again. The last 12 years is when I put on my weight. I think it was depression. He is so hateful grumpy no personality. I want to find a man to make me laugh. Enjoy the rest of my life. After he treats me like that he trys to be affectionet. I just cant stand him to touch me. I am 7 years older than him. I think That has made a difference to. He acts like a big cry baby, I am so excited for him to go to school. I just got a call They are wanting to move my surgery up to the sept 21 . Wow I need to get my self together. I am in shock/ Take care. Now this means he will be here. GOD HELP ME> I will let you know later Take Care Barb Take Care Barb

Hang in there girl, this too shall pass and you will be starting your new life soon... he will have to move on and eventually we can only hope they see the light and grow up as a result...