hi mermaid. just read your thread,.congratulations on your decision and date for surgury.i too am also due to have bypass surgury at taunton on 19th jan 08.mr wellbourne is also my surgeon.from what i can gather mr wellbourne is held in very high regard throughout the southwest.i do not have to do the optifast diet but i do have to do a very low calorie diet a week before my op. just wanted to wish you good luck and best wishes for the 14th