Only a few more days for me! LONG

Any last minute tips or suggestions anyone? I am in the final stretch - I leave for Honolulu on Thursday morning, surgery Friday morning... So Thursday, I'm going to be there all day by myself, and I was wondering what you reccomend to do? I've never really had a chance to explore Oahu before - only driven Waikiki beach once, so I'm not sure what I should do to keep myself busy all day (and away from food!!) - My husband and kids will come in at 10pm. I figured I'd make a trip to GNC - as I'm sure yours is ALOT bigger then mine, AND - I'm going to need some Isopure or something for my time in the hotel, waiting to be released home. I'm a bit in panic mode right now trying to do the liquid diet thing so that I don't weigh an ounce more then I did last time I saw her - problem is, I've had way to many compulsive eating episodes since then... "This might be my last time to eat here at this restaurant" or "This might be my last time having this food.... fill in the blank ____________" SOOoooo... my rings are tight,I feel a little bloated, and I'm sooooo worried. I'm so stupid... I just kept thinking I'd have no problem switching over to a liquid diet 10 days before, because I am so excited about this surgery, yaddy, yadda.. WRONG!!! The first couple of days I TOTALLY cheated, and now I'm in the final stretch - I have 4 days until I step on that scale and she determines whether to operate or not!! I wish I'd actually tried to loose the 10% they suggested... The problem??? It was a suggestion, not a requirement, so I didn't worry about it. Do I sound like an addict?? YUP.. I am. Addicted to food, worse then I can imagine a Meth head being addicted to Meth.. I wish the beginning of this journey also included a month + stay in a 'food' rehab clinic of some sort. I think that would make an incredible difference in our recovery! Perhaps even staying the month before surgery. Unfortunately, way too many people would not be able to do that, and I'm not sure with my children that I could have handled it either - but seriously - for some food can be a worse addiction then drugs or alcohol, and unfortunately - we won't ever be able to 'just stay away' from our addiction (food) like you could cigarettes, or alcohol.... we have to confront it every day for the rest of our lives! Thank goodness for our tool... it is going to help greatly, but I know the rest is up to me, and I KNOW I can do ANYTHING I put my mind to, but it's still a little nerve wrecking. Today - I'm spending the day with the family, but tomorrow I'm going to get my packing done -- any suggestions on things NOT to be without? Also wondering - do you think sf lifesavers or something similar would be okay to keep our mouth moist until the leak test?? I'm guessing probably not since the syrup will still go through the system and if there WAS a leak it could be a problem. But I thought I'd ask. Also - anyone familiar with Straub and have any advice or knowledge to share about your stay there? Last minute diet advice?? I'm desparate because I've been a fool on that one. Just eats me up - it will totally be my own fault, but I'll be devastated if something happens and I can't have this surgery. That's it! Sorry so long, if you made it this far you're a saint! lol... And thanks guys.. this board (OH) has been my outlet, and my inspiration now for several months and will undoubtedly continue to be over the long journey ahead. Tin K

Aloha TinK......You are where I'm going to be in about three weeks!! I, too, have been BAD about losing weight. I have NOT, and I hover right around my orientation weight. If the scale is a bad one in Honolulu I will be in trouble, too. I am going to try and get serious about eating very little in the next three weeks, but I know how hard it is...just like you. As far as what to take to the hospital, one thing that most lists don't have is a small desk fan. Our surgeons say that for some reason people having this surgery are HOT, and are so glad they brought along a fan. I bought a small one at Longs the other day. Also, my friend says bring a couple nightgowns, slippers, a light robe, toilet articles, and a small pillow. I'm also going to bring a good book, my binder (required), a handheld poker game, etc. I wish you a very successful week....and you go girl! I will be waiting to hear all about it when you get home. Aloha, KarenS

Hi, if you need something to do on Thursday, and you are staying in Waikiki, I can easily get you into the Honolulu Zoo, I work there. One good thing is that the food they sell there will not tempt you, it's expensive and lousy. If you decide this is what you would like to do, call me at 971-7199 before Thursday, or on Thursday after 9:00 am. Aloha, Paula

Not sure if your doctors approve of protein bars (some don't like their patients eating protein bars), but protein bars at Wal-Mart are inexpensive. Pure Protein Chocolate Chip is yummy! Don't stock up too much on what you like now though...because your taste buds will change. I was a major sweet tooth with sweets, especially chocolate prior to surgery. Now even the protein bars are sweet to me and in some cases I have to drink ½ cup black coffee to even out the taste and I never drink black coffee (without cream/splenda). So I usually buy 1 or 2 protein bars, taste it and see if it sits well. Give Paula a call, the zoo is really cool especially now that they have that new petting zoo. Paula is very nice too! I had the chance to meet her a few months ago prior to surgery, we have a little WLS group get together. Best of luck on your surgery! Aloha, Kris

Thank you everyone for your kind responses... I did pretty good yesterday, I had two mugs of cream of chicken soup (the thin kind you add ho****er to) 60cals each, a slimfast shake, several bottles of crystal light and several bottles of water, a V8 splash, 20 cals and 2gms sugar. I figured out what time of day is tough for me too! Evenings. When my husband is home and eating.. Paula - I will call you about the zoo - later today, I LOVE the zoo and it was already on my list of things I wanted to do while I was over there. I want to go with my kids before we leave too, but I have no idea how I'll feel and they aren't going to get into town until Thursday night.... But I would absolutely love that! Thank you! I also have to visit GNC - I already printed a map and I'd like to find somewhere to buy a Magic bullet - I can't find one on this island. I was thinking Bed bath and Beyond? Or Linens and things - but Linens and things wanted $60!!! That's high I'm pretty sure. Does anyone know if Costco or Walmart carries it? I guess I'll do some calling around. I'm going to go weigh myself in a few hours and I'll report back later tonight.

try sugar free jello and low sodium chicken broth.