Hi Sal,
Regarding the jello, I wasn't told to "drink" it - I was just told Jello.  I ate it the regular way.  I mushed it up in the bowl first, then chewed it thoroughly before swallowing.  They served it to me in the recovery house, so I'm sure it's fine to do it that way.

Regarding the drive, well, everyone is different, but I was okay to drive home from Bellingham to Surrey on my own.  They say you shouldn't drive, so I had a contingency plan of my husband and childcare provider both driving down and then one of them driving my car back and me being a passenger, but it wasn't necessary.  I did stay an extra day in Mexico because of being a band-to-sleeve revision, so I came home on day four after surgery rather that day three.  Chilliwack is a lot further, but I think I could have done it easily on the day I came home.  But as I said, everyone is different.  The flight was fine - I thought I'd have problems with my suitcase but I didn't.  I checked it so I wouldn't have to heft it from the overhead compartment.  I just drank juice and water all the way home.  It's a pretty quick flight, and Bellingham being so small you're out of there pretty fast.

Let me know if there's anything else you have questions about.
Raingal

I think they only need you to lose 6-8lbs on the pre-op diet.  The reason why is that it removes the fatty tissues from your liver, and it makes it easier for the surgeon cause he has to get in there and lift it up to work on your stomach.

Hi Michelle,
Well your operation is not far off either then... it is exciting.
I have been on the pre-op liquids 10 days and lost 6 pounds. It's not super but I think my Nut. has let me have too many carbs as some of the protein drinks on her list are really high in carbs so for the last few days I will go with almost no carbs and just plenty of protein.
For the most part I have been following it fairly well. It's hard and DULL as hell and I've benn working like a fiend, lots of overtime, so have really gotten next to no exercise in.
On the other hand, since the beginning of Dec. when I first thought of going to Mexico for the surgery, I have lost about 50 pounds so I feel I'm quite on the way.
I'm a little worried in this last part of the work, the pre-op diet, I won't have lost that much by Thursday and I sure hope that won't mean surgery cancellation or anything. It would seem really unfair with all the effort I have put in so far but who knows what power they have.
Anyhow, fingers crossed and if I high protein and get some damn exercise in the last few days (even if it's running on the spot in my living room at midnight!) hopefully all will go as hoped.
I'll let you know how it all turns out once I get home again which won't be until Sunday.
Cheers and the best of luck to you with all your prep work.
Lynn

I'm all set for by sleeve on July 28 with Dr. Nguyen.
Have felt really helped and supported by the group at his office and Garrett Wellness Centre so far and while I'm really nervous about the surgery, first real surgery since I was five, I feel in good hands.
Love to hear from others who have been through this at Richmond General see what they thought of it all.
Cheers all,
Lynn

it may be possible,, I have sent you a private message with my phone numbers...