Hi Penny, I forgot to mention the "no sugar added" popsicles and creamsicles, I love them and they have saved me especially when it's been so hot. They're a little hard to find, but Safeway has them here. I'm 4 weeks out today and down 18 pounds and I've stopped snoring. My husband says "you sleep so quiet now I have to turn over to make sure you're still there". I'm so happy I did this! Hang in there for the next week! Talk to you soon. Betty

Hi Penny and Elaine, I hope you had a terrific vacation, Penny. Your surgery is coming up fast, are you excited? I didn't have to do the preop diet but I used the Atkins shakes after on full fluids. I found they tasted better really cold. I freeze leftover coffee in ice cube trays and put the shakes in the blender with the cubes - kind like a frappocino - I really enjoyed them especially when it's been so hot. Dr Kuri says we aren't supposed to drink our protein after healing because the band works best with solid protein, or I might still be drinking them. If you have to use the powder protein, WalMart has a Whey powder that's not bad, Six-Star body Fuel, I like the vanilla flavor. I even mix it in my morning oatmeal. If you like peanut butter it also adds nice flavor to the shakes, use smooth, the chunks don't blend very well. Just remember this next week will fly by and you'll soon be on your way. I'm really glad I did this and I can't believe I'm already almost 4 weeks out! If you have any questions that I might be able to help with feel free to ask. See you soon on the loser's bench-I'm cheering you on!! Take care Betty

Hi there back from holidays and I see there has not been much happening on Sask. site. Hope everyone is doing well. I am getting closer to my surery date of aug 6th. I will be leaving to start my journey on the 3rd. very excited to be on the loser's bench. I am doing the liver shrinking protien diet right now. How gross is that....! I am sticking to the Atkins drinks for now. The powder stuff is nasty.. Any suggestions from anybody? Penny

Hi Penny and Elaine, I guess we'll learn as we go along how to do things more easily, because almost everything is harder when you're fat. I just got so tired of it. I got on the scale this morning for the first time and am down 9.5 pounds since my surgery 12 days ago. I'm pleased with that! I only have a few more days of full fluids and I am ready to try something different. The Atkins shakes are pretty good and very locarb compared with a lot of the shakes available in Canada. Have a great vacation Penny, talk to you when you get back. Betty

Hi Elaine, I'm from the Alberta board and have been feeling the same way, it's so quiet!! I had my lapband surgery in Tijuana with Dr Kuri on June 29, and the experience was great. I'm sure I'd never have been able to have it done here so I'm very happy I had this option. I'm still on the full fluids for a few more days, then on to pureed foods - MMMMMM!! It's been pretty easy so far to stay on program since I really don't want to screw this up. I don't think your question is stupid, being heavy affects us in many ways, and also affects how we are perceived by others, but you are who you are and I don't think that will change. If you have any questions about the Mexico experience, feel free to ask. Take care Betty