Newbie here...

Hey everyone... I've been on the site for a bit now trying to navigate my way around it. I will be getting a picture of myself up soon right after I get hubby to take a picture of me. My name is Echo. I'm 23, married, and have a son who is almost a year old. My husband and I are at Shaw AFB, SC, have been since Oct. '06 ... I started looking at WLS in December '07 and finally got the courage to talk to my PCM about it.  I'm 5' 3.5" and weigh in at 270 give or take a few lbs. from day to day. This is my highest weight. I love reading all of your stories and posts - lots of helpful things going on in this place! Dr. *****ett and Tribble are my surgeons... I have a pre-op date of February 20th (also my son's birthday) and a surgery date of February 25th.  I just bought the Adkin's diet book today... any help or suggestions on what to eat (meals, snacks) for the 'induction phase' would be greatly appreciated... I'm all about listening in and learning what I can before heading into something ... so throw all those fantastic tidbits my way! Thanks! -- Echo

congratulations and I'm so glad that you found the sight.  I've heard wonderful things about those doctors.  I'm not sure, each Dr has their own instructions for pre-surgery.  Looking forward to hearing about your WLS.  Its a wonderful, crazy, fun, emotional, and amazing time.  It let me regain a life. Mary

Hi Echo and welcome to the SC site of OH.  Like Mary said, all docs have different pre-op instructions and post op.  I can tell you that your tastes will change after surgery so don't stock up on protein until you are sure you like it/can tolerate it after surgery.  I LOVED scrambled eggs prior to surgery and now can't even look at them.  The few things that are good to have in the house for after surgery are sugar free popsicles, LOTS of water...important to get fluids in and you sip, sip, sip all day long....no big gulps or you will regret it.  Also sugar free jello. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.  The next few weeks you will have all kinds of emotions/fears, etc. and they are all normal.  Let us know if we can help you.   I can tell you I am over 2 years out and this was the best decision I have ever made in my life.  I am 53 and wish I had had the opportunity to do it when I was 23...I think a lot of things in my life would have been different.