I got approval from my insurance company for my surgery, and I have a date: September 6. So I am just a smidge over two weeks away from the biggest change I’ve ever chosen for myself. But before that big change, I’ve got a different big change to make.

Tuesday, I start a two week pre-op diet. Apparently, the liver is right next to the stomach, and in people who are overweight, the liver can be a bit large. So the pre-op diet is going to help shrink the liver down so it is easier for the doctor to do the surgery. But the pre-op diet ain’t no walk in the park.

First, I start taking my vitamins every day Tuesday and for the rest of my life. There are 3 capsules I have to take each day. In addition, I have to take 200 mg of Co Q10 every day. I guess this helps with healing. I am also taking 12-15 mg of Benefiber a day, and if needed, I can also use a stool softener. I am required to get in 64 oz. of fluid a day. As for food, I have to have 2 protein shakes each day as well as 4 oz. of solid protein and 1/2 cup of non-starchy vegetables. If I am hungry between meals, I am allowed to have up to 2 cups of beef, chicken, or vegetable broth as well as sugar-free Jello and sugar-free popsicles. The broth, jello, and popsicles can count toward my 64 oz. of fluid each day. I am allowed 1 8 oz. cup of caffeinated coffee or tea each day, and I can use artificial sweetener and dairy-free creamer in it. All other foods and liquids need to be dairy, sugar, caffeine, and carbonation -free.

That’s it right there for the next 2 weeks. I am nervous about this for a couple of reasons. First, am I going to be hungry? Probably. Part of the reason I got this way is because I eat too much. Am I going to be able to resist temptation? Part of the reason I got this way is because I eat like crap and eat too many fattening foods. I am going to have to keep telling myself that I can’t cheat — if I cheat, I may not be able to have the surgery. I’m also worried about energy. I still have a couple boxing classes to do before the surgery. Plus I am doing Bike the Drive on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. I need to be sure I have the fuel to stay active. Finally, I have some things happening over the next 2 weeks that present eating challenges. For instance, I have a bridal shower to go to. I am already planning on making sure I have a tasty drink with me that I can sip on while others eat. I don’t want to appear rude if I don’t eat at the shower, and I absolutely do not want anyone to alter their behaviors around me because I am doing this pre-op diet (or because of how my eating habits will change after surgery). I do not expect the world to adapt to me — I need to learn how to adapt to the world around me.

So, starting Tuesday, if you see me, feel free to give me an, “Atta girl,” if you’re so inclined. I am so fortunate that I have had so many wonderful cheerleaders in my life; I’m gonna need you all again! I’m ready for the next step!