Heather, I am in PA and am having surgery 11/2 in Langhorne. Not too far away. We don't have to be local to support each other. What date do you have and what hospital will you be at? Gail

Thank you Judith, I wish you the best of luck with your recovery. That's the process that scares me. Not the actual surgery. Keep in touch and let me know how you make out. I will be starting my 50's next year and I made a personal decision to start that decade of my life HEALTHY. Gail

I've been trying to get a surgery date since early May. My doctor went through 2 or 3 nurses, so every time I called, it was as if for the first time. A couple of times, they tried to tell me I wasn't a patient of his at all. Finally, after tons of lab tests, psych screen, sleep study and subsequent fitting for a CPAP machine, visit with a Pulmonologist, heart study, MORE lab tests - my doctor up and leaves!!! One of his associates has taken over all his patients, and I've FINALLY gotten a date!!! I was afraid it wasn't even going to be this year, but I lucked out!!! WOOHOO!!! Judith P

You sounds like you are going into this much like I am. I'm 37, healthy, and have already started implementing changes. I've lost 15 lbs since May and would like to loose a few more before surgery. *grabs notebook* Bariatric Surgery Pre-Operative Diet The pre-operative diet is low in carbohydrates and high in protein. The purpose of this diet is to use up the glycogen that is stored in your liver. Glycogen is the storage form of carbohydrates. Depleting your liver's glycogen stores shrinks the liver, which decreases the incidence of complications. Please note that this diet is not healthy for long-term use. Two weeks Prior to Surgery Your main focus will be on limiting carbohydrates to 30 grams per day. In general, you want the following daily mixture of nutrients: Carbohydrate - not more than 30 grams Protein - at least 70 grams Fat - in moderation (no fried foods, butter, high fat meats or dressings) You may use low carbohydrate, high protein drinks or bars during this time but make sure you read the labels and stay within the carbohydrate guidelines of 30 grams per day. One day prior to surgery: Sugar-free clear liquids Midnight prior to surgery: Nothing by mouth

Hi Maida! Thanks for your response...I can do low carb...no problem...if you'd give me some of the details that would be great! I did Atkins for over a year about 8 years ago (lost about 80 lbs & gained every bit + back!) so I know I can do low-carb...but Atkins wasn't exactly healthy...I bet your surgeon gave you some better guidelines on how to accomplish the less than 30 carbs. I agree that getting that liver in shape is a good idea...I'm not sure why my doc doesn't require some sort of pre-surgery diet...maybe he does for some patients but not for me?!? I don't know...I'm young-ish (35) and in good health other than being FAT so maybe he just felt it wasn't necessary...I'd rather be on the safe-side. Besides, I know the more I get off now the closer to my "ideal" body weight I'll be when I stop losing. Trying to get a jump start and be as healthy as possible going in...you know? Thanks again, Heather