I'm new here and need some help!

Hi everyone,  I'm scheduled for RNY on 5/15. I'm currently on the liquid diet and having a heck of a time. I'm hungry and I want to chew something. Plus, I'm nervous and scared and thinking maybe I should cancel the surgery.  Any suggestions, comments, etc. would be welcome.  thanks,  Wendy 

I have some bad news for you.  You are 100% normal.   You know what you all had to go through to get to this point of having your surgery date scheduled.  Do you really think you want to cancel?  I'm not saying you shouldn't, because there are people who just aren't ready.  YOU have to figure out if your fear of the surgery is bigger than your fear of remaining obese.   The liquid diet is a major DRAG for some people!  You hear that more often than you hear of people actually LIKING the LD.  Me?  I really, sincerely, loved it!   I have NEVER, before or since, had more CLARITY in my relationship with food!  If I could drink it, I was pretty much good to go.  If there would be chewing involved, it was pretty much a no-no (with the exception of SF jello and popsicles).   This is when you have to decide that you are stronger than the urges that made you obese in the first place.  Take charge.  Be determined that FOR ONCE, you're gonna do everything RIGHT!   Oh - and come here a lot.  This place is extremely helpful, if only to remain focused!!!  GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!!

Hi Wendy!!!!  I hope you don't cancel your surgery! You have come a long way to give up now. I know you are probably scared and nervous. It is very very normal!! The liquid diet really is not that bad after the first few days. Have you tried SF pop cycles? Those really do help and there are alot of yummy flavors. Also, gum will help with the chewing need.....hang in there and come here as much as possible. There is a alot of great support here and we have all been right where you are right now... Good Luck!!!  CarolN

Welcome Wendy!  I would have to agree with what Darla said you are 100% normal we all had fears about getting the surgery done, but we also knew what was in our future if we didn't get the surgery.  What is it that is scaring you?  Listing  out your fears and then listing out the benefits in a sort of pro/con list might help you to better understand where you are at right now and help you get a clearer perspective on it.  I would have to agree that to cure the need to crunch SF popsicles are wonderful!  The LD wasn't too bad for me and after the first couple of days you get all of the carb cravings out of your system and it gets easier (at least it did for me).  Keep coming back here there is so much support and it is a good way to distract your mind from food.  Stay strong, you can do it!

If you are feeling hungry, drink another protein drink.  Do you have popsicles?  SF popsicles were a lifesaver for me. 
It's normal to feel nervous for surgery.  There is no need to be.  You know and have researched and most people come out feeling fabulous.  This surgery has been such a gift to us.  I even still get to enjoy food!  :O)
Hang in there! 

Wendy,  First off....WELCOME to the MN Board!  Second...I have have to second all the second's above this post - you are SO NORMAL! Everyone (well, almost everyone) has fears and nerves and starts second-guessing themselves the closer they get to surgery.  Don't worry about that - as Darla said - just remember WHY you want this surgery and decide if you are more afraid of the surgery or the thought of being obese the rest of your (shortened) life.  I had the same issues as you - I wanted to chew something in the WORST way...SF popcicles were a God-send and really stiff SF Jello (made "Jiggler" style so there was more chewing involved) really helped as well.  Good luck, and hope to see you here often!

Hello Wendy...I sure hope you don't give up. This can be scary but it is also a life saver!! You have reseached this and know the value of having this surgery. We were all scared just like you at one point. The LD isn't the most fun but it is doable. I didn't mind it at all. I felt very cleansed and refreshed after doing it. Just hang in there and don't be discouraged. Welcome to the MN board.....feel free to come to us at anytime for any reason. Hugs, connie d

Hey Wendy!! We are in the SAME BOAT!! My LapBand surgery is on the 13th and I am on my 10 day liquid diet RIGHT NOW. Am I liking it? Well, it's not fabulous..especially when people are chewing chicken around me!! BUT, I know it is worth it. I am on day 3.... stocked up on SlimFast shakes, broth and sugar-free popsicles. (I'll tell you.. the popsicles are saving my life.... I had 4 yesterday, lol.) Message me any time you need help and maybe you can come out to one of our coffee get togethers sometime!! My doctor told me I could chew sugar-free gum but, said, "Just don't swallow it." LOL. I, too, am nervous. I am losing pounds like crazy on this diet and am starting to have those dumb thoughts of  "maybe I can just do this on my own... I mean look at how fast I am losing." But the surgery is not just for "losing"...we have all done that in some form or fashion a thousand times.... the issue is WE CAN'T KEEP IT OFF!! So try to go back to those feelings you had when you DECIDED on the surgery and stick to that!!