Ready to Do This (Finally)

It has been a long time since I've shared my progress. I had surgery April 2018, and since then I went from surgery weight 282 down to my current weight of 180.3. In these two years, I have made a total lifestyle change, trying to stay successful and avoid falling into bad habits. This surgery isn't a magic wand- it works only if you follow directions and stay focused and consistent. There were weeks that I wouldn't lose 1 pound, and then I would be 4 lbs down in a week. It was so frustrating to stall when I was eating so little! I still have restriction when I eat, so I get in about a cup of food at a time. I still (mostly) follow the diet given to me by my surgeon, getting 60-80g of protein every day and keeping my carbs low. The first year I didn't go about 25-30 net carbs a day, but as I got smaller, I stopped being so strict and now try not to go over 80 net carbs/day. I can eat pretty much everything in moderation now, so I really have to use self control to not eat whole bags of popcorn or chips (slider foods) or candy.
Despite how hard it was in the beginning, I have absolutely NO regrets! I'm so happy with how I look and feel these days and only wish I did this sooner!

Today I'm back at work. Let me tell you, this last week was not fun, but I made it through. The gas pains are NO JOKE. Honestly that and the nausea were the worst. I had trouble with the first nausea med (Zofran), so they switch me to promethazine, which worked like a charm. I only used my narcotics for the first 3 days, and then I really didn't need them. They didn't help much with the gas pain, and that's really what I felt the most. Otherwise, I just was tired and weak from only drinking clear liquids.
The first few days, I had to ramp up to drinking 64 ounces. It just wasn't possible at first, but I got there eventually. Every day is a little better, and I am already down 13 lbs! Wooot!!!

Sorry for the SHOUTY CAPITALS, but I am SO EXCITED. My doctor sent me the information for my pre-op diet, which I will start the week before the surgery (April 4). I thought it would be 2 weeks, but that's okay with me!. Does anyone have any tips on how to prepare? My mom wants to come visit to help, but we drive each other crazy if our visits are longer than 4 days. Can I get by with help just those first few days?