Two Weeks from Today

So, I started the liquid portion of the diet today. My surgery is scheduled for 12.19. A bit apprehensive but really looking forward to it. It will be a bit odd to not eat a Christmas dinner with everyone but I know I can handle it. I have been surprised at my ability to not "crave" any food. My wife kept saying that we needed to hit all my favorites (Zingerman's Reuben anyone?) before the surgery. But to be honest, I have not felt any need to go down that road. I keep telling her that I will be able to eat some of that stuff down the road but it won't be for quite a while. I have stocked up on a few different types and flavors or protein powders and drinks to have a bit of variety for the next to weeks. Am really looking forward to this life-changing event. 

Congratulations on this big step!  I remember it well..... glad you can use some protein powders and drinks as I went out and bought some prior to starting my liquid diet THEN my NUT and surgeon informed me that I was NOT suppose to use any supplements at all.  Everything had to come from real food.  Oh great, nearly $100 worth of stuff they don't want me to eat lol.  I ended up using the powders and such as back up when either traveling or when convenience would dictate it and it took awhile to rid myself of my stockpile....  Otherwise, I kept to the skim milk, no sugar added carnation instant breakfast, yogurt, etc. etc. that my medical team recommended.

Thanks! I just saw your post on losing 100 lbs. My goal is lose 150. If I can lose 100 like you in four months, I would be ecstatic. What is your exercise routine right now?

That weight loss is a little misleading, I have lost 100 lbs in 8 months (the day I started the pre-op diet).  I actually lost 48 lbs prior to surgery.  Now that was jump started by an acute eschemic colitis attack two days in from the first day of my pre-op journey that landed me in the hospital for 5 days (lost 15 lbs by the way while hospitalized, now I can laugh about it!).

Exercise is either 30 minutes on the treadmill or 10,000 steps or both with my fitbit tracker.  I have a pretty good case of osteoarthritis which hinders too much physical activity.  I do lift some hand weights for my arms for 5-10 minutes a day 3-5 days a week.  Nothing too overly strenuous though.

The pre-op diet is a real PIA, but you're literally doing it to save your life. With that focus it makes it a little less bitter pill. 

Mmmmm Zingermans......... I'm with you. But as you said, there will come a time when you can have it again. Just not the whole sandwich . 

I was in New Jersey about 6 months ago and shared this sandwich. Its a small by the way. The person I was sharing with took half of it home. We only split half of it. I really ate only the protein out of it. Still worth it. 

Congrats on getting started.  Im only 2 months in, but its the best decision I've ever made.

Who says you can't eat Christmas dinner?  Fire up the blender, mix up the meat, potatos, gravy, stuffing, yams, all the rest, measure out your 1/4 cup portion and go to town!

Oh man, Zingerman's!  I was ready to do a big food funeral, and then when it was actually time, I didn't really do it either.  And you're totally right, that later you'll be able to have those favorites again.  But I have been surprised that my tastes have changed, and they don't taste as good anymore.

Good luck!

Good luck. It sounds like your head is in the right place.

I feel your pain, my surgery was on 11/17, 9 days before Thanksgiving. I ended up sending the g/f off to her folks in San Diego for a week and I just solo'd through it at home. I am glad I did, even though I missed her company considerably. It allowed me not to be tempted to even take a small nibble of turkey. I just relaxed, goofed off, even took a drive the day after Thanksgiving to one of the indian casinos about 115 miles away from my residence and just had a good time, brought home about $3k of their money. I mentioned the casino for another part as well. I walked right past a humongous buffet and it didn't even phase me. Up to you but you might want to make a plan to go do something while the dinner is going on if you have concerns about not sticking to the program.