Thank you so much, Tidgel. I have a question you've probably answered million times. Is it normal to have a lot of pain on my right side?

How exciting!

Don't bother buying any food in quantity before surgery. Your tastes will change after surgery. That protein drink you liked so much before surgery may taste yucky to you afterwards! By the time you're cleared to eat pureed food, you'll likely feel well enough to go shopping (particularly if someone else drives).

If you weigh yourself right after surgery, you will probably find you have "gained" 10 pounds! This is because they pump you full of fluids. It takes about 5-7 days to get back to "normal", and then you'll start seeing the weight come off.

Pack like you would for an overnight visit somewhere, but make sure the clothes are loose fitting. You'll probably wear the same clothes home that you wore to the hospital; it's not a fashion show! A robe will help you feel less exposed as you walk up and down the hallways (to prevent blood clots and help with any gas pain). If you're not in a private room, pack some foam earplugs. That's about it. Most people will tell you that they didn't use the special things they bought/packed.

May 5th is V day for me. Cant wait, I am exhausted on so many levels battling the bulge over the years. I am need some help in getting prepped for my surgery. Any ideas, tips of what to expect and how to prepare?

Thank you!

Which do you like to take, guys?

I am right there with you! I had my surgery in July 2010. I lost 120 lbs and I kept it off for 2 years. Then it slowly creeped back up because I went back to old habits of eating my feelings. I gained 25 lbs. in 6 months grieving the decline and eventual passing of my aunt from cancer. Then over the next 2 years I gained another 15, and then another 20 over the course of 2 more years. I have been holding steady with a 60 lb. weight gain for the last 3+ years.

When I had the surgery I was on blood pressure meds and pre-diabetic. While I have been very lucky and haven't had a blood pressure med since the day before my surgery, I'm hovering close to needing it again. I broke my pelvis almost a year ago and was on bed rest for 2 months and in physical therapy for 6 months.

I need to get back to basics. I have heard there is a "reset" week or 2 where you eat the way you did immediately following surgery (shakes only for several days, add only soft protein for several days, etc.) is that correct?

I want to get those 60 lbs back off. I wasn't thin by any stretch - but I fit into regular size clothes (not just Plus Size), I was healthy and I felt great. That's all I want back.

Any advice on how to truly get back on track?

Thanks!