I went out with a bang.

My surgery was on Monday, so Saturday night my husband took me to my favourite restaurant (Restaurant 1833 in Monterey). There is NOTHING ON THIS MENU that is bad.

Bacon-cheddar biscuit appetizers, bacon-wrapped pork loin with creamy polenta, and a creme brulee dessert.

I had been very good during the 2 weeks prior to surgery (started a liquid diet), but life as I knew it changed. My friends wanted to take me out drinking, but I really don't drink. In fact, my surgeon was surprised at the status of my non-fatty liver (I am guessing from his experience, usually patients go and tie one on before undergoing the procedure).

I'll be able to go back to my favourite restaurant at some point. But for now, I can just sigh contentedly and think back upon that meal with the fondest of memories.

Honestly, once you're a ways out from surgery, you'll be surprised at how many things you'll be able to eat. One of the big pieces of advice the nutritionist for our support group gave us pre-surgery is "don't have food funerals, because they're not dying and neither are you. There will come a time when you will eat favorite foods you really enjoy again, even if they're not the best ones. The goal is to learn how to use the tool of your sleeve to make positive food choices the majority of the time, so that occasional indulgences become just that: indulgences, and not an everyday way of eating." That advice has really stuck with me, and while my cravings and appetite are nowhere near where they were before surgery, I'm so glad that I didn't do food funerals since now when I do have a treat or a special meal, I know how to handle it and keep it in perspective, rather than going overboard on something "forbidden". Some people you'll meet in your group and on the boards will tell you they never have cravings or eat anything that they used to, others will tell you that they really haven't found things that they can't eat, etc. I think each person is different and what is livable for each person is different. You'll figure it out as you go, but I think you're off to a great start with making positive choices early on in your journey. Good luck!!

My surgery was December 30, just after Christmas. As a matter of fact our last Christmas party was the night before I started my pre-op diet. I went into the party thinking I was going to truly do it right and have my way with the buffet!!! :huh: However when I got there reality sat in and I realized that really wasn't how I wanted to eat anymore!! My 6 month prep period was apparently a success! I walked away feeling really empowered knowing I was truly ready for surgery and a new lifestyle!! I do miss some of those old foods now, but not enough to eat them!! :happy:

I kind of went out with a bang, too, but faves are not necessarily bad for you foods. I happened to be visiting family in a large metropolis area that we had previously lived the week before my liquid diet started, so we went to a couple of our favorite restaurants while there, a high-end/order off the menu Chinese restaurant (I ordered chicken almond ding, which was loaded with veggies and I skipped the rice), an Indian restaurant (my favorite cuisine), and since my current city doesn't have a Chipotle yet (one is opening this summer) I got a steak burrito bowl (no sour cream). The night before I started the pre-op diet I grilled steaks, and roasted asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms in the oven.

I wasn't going to have a "food funeral" in the way I've seen others do it, but I wanted to have some of my favorite 'healthier' things. Healthy in comparison to what I could have had

The day before I started my liquid pre-op diet, I ate eggplant parm like it was my job