Lisa; Other things to consider taking to the hospital: 1. Hat or pony tail holders. My hair is short, so I went with a hat so I didn't look quite as disheveled when I went for my walks around the nurses station. 2. Pillow. The hospital will have pillows on your bed, but it's nice to have an extra to brace against if you have to cough or sneeze. Also, it's great to hold onto during the drive home for bumps in the road. 3. I had a Laproscopic RNY and one of my incisions was right where my bra hits between my breasts. I wore camisoles with a built-in shelf bra for the first three weeks post-op. I didn't know this going in and had to go home from the hospital braless. In terms of eating hints, start practicing taking bites no larger than a grape and chewing each bite 30 times. These things will need to become second nature post-op. Also, if you can start trying to eat slower now, that's another post-op requirement. Congrats on getting your date! Blessings, Jennifer 253 / 196 / ???

lisa, i also took a notepad to write down any notes i had from the hospital or keep track of nurses names. i also took chapstick for my dry lips and a camara to capture all the '1st's'' like 1st meal and 1st walk i wore something that didnt have a waistband in case it would bother me after surgery. ( i wore a large dress to and home) dont worry bout soap or shampoo cause my hospital made me use theirs when i got a shower. i also think its a good idea to start weaning urself off fast food. it could only help with ur health and weight loss. exercise is always good too. lisa -50 lbs -60.5 inches

jennifer, congrats and hopefully ill see u there oneday. keep up the great work lisa

Dear Carla, Have you tried making stews? I don't have a problem drinking with my meals, but I do have a problem with the food being dry--especially leftovers. And I live alone, so I have a lot of leftovers! I checked with my nutritionist and she thought it was a good solution. But the liquid needs to be thick--not soup. I've made a chicken and sausage gumbo as well as chili and even a lamb stew. I just have to get used to throwing away a lot of the vegetables I add in for flavor. (Eating the protein is enough of a meal for me at this point.) Sally

Im sooooooooooooooooooo happy for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I knew youd get there first!!!!!! I secretly wanted to beat you!!! hahaha Well Im 5 pounds away from ONEDERLAND and I want to be there soooo bad!!!! You must be sooooooooooo excited!!!!! Im so proud of you and I cant wait to be 196!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xoxoxox Bethany