New, Have Pre-op Questions

[Cin59]

I'll be here, don't worry and I would love to hear whatever you have to say. I'm thinking of going back to therapy, I need help with this eating addiction of mine. One piece of advice - stay off of youtube! I made the mistake of watching videos from former wls folks and some of them are too dark. Folks are dealing with their lives post-op and they aren't very inspirational. Their problems really have nothing to do with the surgery, they are dealing with issues that they never dealt with before. I remember hearing somewhere that right when life is going great, your subconscious might bring up an unresolved issue for you to deal with. It's as if your sub-c is telling you that you are now strong enough to deal with it. This happens to me from time to time.

I expect my emotions and fears will keep swinging and swirling all the way up to the hour of surgery, and I'm even having doubts at time. I know this is normal, just not pleasant - at all! We'll get through this together, and with the support of others here. I know we will be just fine and then we can biotch over what we have to eat post-op!

All the very best, my friend.

Thank you for being here for me and it helps to be on this site with people who can understand all the emotions rather than just someone you talk to and it's like it's no big deal you can do it. They don't realize this changes your whole life. I've been on youtube, too late, lol. Mine is going to be over shortly and on my way hopefully to getting this weight off and figuring out what I can and can't eat. What made you choose the sleeve? That's the one I thought I was going to have too until I met with my surgeon after the classes. He want's the by pass because he's afraid if he does the sleeve I'll have problems again with my hernia and my stomach can go right back up in my chest. Your having your surgery the day before my Birthday, the big 60, I'm not liking that either. Lol

 

[Cin59]

Hi Lynn, I like your tips, I'll give it try. On 3/7/17 I will start my liquid, 2 week diet. My doctor allows his patients to do several things: only protein shakes or some lean meat and veggies, or a combo of the 2. I'm going to try to mix it up. I'm glad I don't have to do the clear liquids until after my operation. I hope I lose some pre-op weight to help get things rolling. Your tips some like something I will try. Thanks.

Lynn, I like your ideas too. We have to be prepared for this, can't just go in the hospital and come home and know what to do, it's very confusing, I have been given so much information in such a short time it's overwhelming. I had my husband take a before pic of me with the tightest shirt and leggings I could fine and once a month I'll have him take a pic in that same outfit and Pray for a difference. Going through this surgery is kind of scary and exciting. I'll find out soon. Tues is the big day.

 

[Debbyg]

The doctor told me to take a picture every month to see the changes but I haven't done it yet. I should have my husband take a picture.
You'll be fine after surgery. We all went through the same thing before surgery. It was the best decision I have made in years.

 

[Debbyg]

The doctor told me to take a picture every month to see the changes but I haven't done it yet. I should have my husband take a picture.
You'll be fine after surgery. We all went through the same thing before surgery. It was the best decision I have made in years.

 

[Cin59]

The doctor told me to take a picture every month to see the changes but I haven't done it yet. I should have my husband take a picture.
You'll be fine after surgery. We all went through the same thing before surgery. It was the best decision I have made in years.

Yes, I did that and have my first picture before I began the pre-op diet and I've lost 14 lbs, so I'm going to have my husband take another pic today before surgery tomorrow and then monthly!! I had him take a pic in the tightest clothes I could find, so I can do it in that same outfit every month and see when it looks loose on me. A friend of mine called last night and got me calmed down, she had it done and everyone I talk to say's if they had to do it again, they would. Thank you for writing and good luck. Your doing great on your weight loss, how long has it been? You were nervous before surgery too???

 

[Debbyg]

Yes, I did that and have my first picture before I began the pre-op diet and I've lost 14 lbs, so I'm going to have my husband take another pic today before surgery tomorrow and then monthly!! I had him take a pic in the tightest clothes I could find, so I can do it in that same outfit every month and see when it looks loose on me. A friend of mine called last night and got me calmed down, she had it done and everyone I talk to say's if they had to do it again, they would. Thank you for writing and good luck. Your doing great on your weight loss, how long has it been? You were nervous before surgery too???

I

Yes, I did that and have my first picture before I began the pre-op diet and I've lost 14 lbs, so I'm going to have my husband take another pic today before surgery tomorrow and then monthly!! I had him take a pic in the tightest clothes I could find, so I can do it in that same outfit every month and see when it looks loose on me. A friend of mine called last night and got me calmed down, she had it done and everyone I talk to say's if they had to do it again, they would. Thank you for writing and good luck. Your doing great on your weight loss, how long has it been? You were nervous before surgery too???

Cin59, yes I was nervous before surgery too. It went great. My surgery was Jan. 10 and I started the liquid diet Jan. 2. I have lost 45 lbs. so far.

 

[Cin59]

I

Cin59, yes I was nervous before surgery too. It went great. My surgery was Jan. 10 and I started the liquid diet Jan. 2. I have lost 45 lbs. so far.

Wow that's great, I'm so happy for you, that's a big weight loss in a very short time. Before your surgery, on the pre-op did you have any meats or anything, it say's you can and I didn't realize that till just recently.

 

[Debbyg]

Wow that's great, I'm so happy for you, that's a big weight loss in a very short time. Before your surgery, on the pre-op did you have any meats or anything, it say's you can and I didn't realize that till just recently.

No, I just did the protein shakes, that's all my doctor wanted me to do

 

[Frenchyprof927]

Hi All, I'm new here, my surgery is on 3/22/17, I'm in Annapolis MD, female, and I'm on an emotional and eating roller coaster. I'll see my nutritionist today and doctor tomorrow for final appointments before surgery. Right now, I a trying to eat healthy but then I go on a binge to eat things I know I won't be able to eat forever or at least year. I feel crazy. Please tell me that this is normal. Please offer any advice of soothing insight - it would be so appreciated. Thanks.

I felt the same way. I am 2 months post op today. It was very hard to follow all the pre-op diet rules, especially since it was right before Christmas. There were so many things I wanted. I managed to stay on track- in fact, I surprised myself and my family.

Do you know what your food triggers are? Are you journaling to help identify feelings/thoughts about food and hunger? I have been using the ap my fitness pal, which is free, and I journal in the notes section.

Good luck! I think how you are feeling and reacting are normal.

 

[Frenchyprof927]

I've been doing the same thing, My surgery is coming up on the 28th Tues and I have all these feelings that are hard for other's to understand. I'm scared, anxious, excited, just nervous as to how I'll do. I live in NH and have been doing the pre-op of shakes and clear fluids. Anxious to be on my way to get this weight off. Best of luck to you too.

Good luck! I hope your surgery is an easy one with no complications and you find this new phase of your life an easy transition.

 

[Cin59]

Good luck! I hope your surgery is an easy one with no complications and you find this new phase of your life an easy transition.[/ Surgery was certainly interesting, if anything could happen it did. Feeling so sick right now.

 

[Lynn4557]

Hi Lynn, I like your tips, I'll give it try. On 3/7/17 I will start my liquid, 2 week diet. My doctor allows his patients to do several things: only protein shakes or some lean meat and veggies, or a combo of the 2. I'm going to try to mix it up. I'm glad I don't have to do the clear liquids until after my operation. I hope I lose some pre-op weight to help get things rolling. Your tips some like something I will try. Thanks.

Let us know how you are doing.

 

[Lynn4557]

I am post open fro

I think it is normal. Your mind just saying hey you better eat this and this before you can't have it any more... I did the same thing, with pizza mostly... but you need to keep in your mind this isn't the end to eating these things you will be minimizing how much of you can eat at a time.... Not everything will be off the menu.... Plus alot of people say there tastes have changed since the surgery... I am only a week post op so I can't say for sure.... yet.. I am not hungry all the time anymore... Im down a bunch of weight and feel good... dont miss anything as of now... am getting excited to eat something other then liquids... LOL but that is in my head not my belly...

I am post open from January 23rd, 2017. The surgery is still one of the best things I have done for myself. I finally getting to where I can eat some things, it has not been as hard as I expected. Got on a pair of pants today that are 2 sizes smaller than I was wearing just before surgery today. So happy about this !

 

[Debbyg]

I went through all my shirts in my closet yesterday and got rid of everything that was too big. I still have clothes to wear, as I had several sizes in there. I tried on several that were too little before and now they fit perfect. I need to go through my pants next. Some of my underwear is getting too big as well. Feels so good. I have lots of clothes downstairs that I hope to be wearing this summer. They are 2-3 sizes smaller than what I have in my closet now. I'll try them on in a month or so. I can't wait to see my brother's face when I go visit him in May. I haven't seen him in 2 years. He will be so surprised to see the "new" me.

 

[Cin59]

I am post open fro

I am post open from January 23rd, 2017. The surgery is still one of the best things I have done for myself. I finally getting to where I can eat some things, it has not been as hard as I expected. Got on a pair of pants today that are 2 sizes smaller than I was wearing just before surgery today. So happy about this !

So Keith you lost a lot of weight within a week? I had surgery the 28th and I'm not down anything, I came home 11 lbs more than when I went in because of the fluids, but I'm already feeling discouraged. I Pray this get's some weight off and fast.

 

[Tracy Lindenmuth]

So Keith you lost a lot of weight within a week? I had surgery the 28th and I'm not down anything, I came home 11 lbs more than when I went in because of the fluids, but I'm already feeling discouraged. I Pray this get's some weight off and fast.

The weight will come off, just follow what your nutritionist says and you will be fine, I know you can do it!!!

 

[Teresa52]

Just opened the whole thread and see that you've had surgery. So sorry, should have done that to start. Again, responding to incoming email and can't see the whole thread.
I'm an emotional binge eater. I'm reading self-help books and I'm considering therapy. My nutritionist said that surgery is a tool and will prevent my binging (or else!) but I have to deal with the emotional need. TMO, sorry. I quit smoking so I'm relying on that achievement to help me through this. Fingers crossed. My biggest fear is to regain lost weight in the future. BUT, I keep telling myself - one stage at a time and deal with it as it comes. Again, TMO, and again, sorry.

Hi All, I'm new here, my surgery is on 3/22/17, I'm in Annapolis MD, female, and I'm on an emotional and eating roller coaster. I'll see my nutritionist today and doctor tomorrow for final appointments before surgery. Right now, I a trying to eat healthy but then I go on a binge to eat things I know I won't be able to eat forever or at least year. I feel crazy. Please tell me that this is normal. Please offer any advice of soothing insight - it would be so appreciated. Thanks.

You are not crazy...

You have a community of support to help you through your journey. Stop focusing on the pounds that you may or may not regain, and look forward to enjoying the pounds you lose. Remember...we all had to take baby steps before walking and it's going to take one pound at a time to reach our goals.
Best Wishes!!!

 

[Teresa52]

So Keith you lost a lot of weight within a week? I had surgery the 28th and I'm not down anything, I came home 11 lbs more than when I went in because of the fluids, but I'm already feeling discouraged. I Pray this get's some weight off and fast.

Don't be discouraged...
We didn't put our weight on overnight and we will not lose it overnight give it time.
You should be proud of yourself for having the courage to start the journey into a new lifestyle. I'm proud of you and best wishes.

 

[Jerri Gilbert]

Hi All, I'm new here, my surgery is on 3/22/17, I'm in Annapolis MD, female, and I'm on an emotional and eating roller coaster. I'll see my nutritionist today and doctor tomorrow for final appointments before surgery. Right now, I a trying to eat healthy but then I go on a binge to eat things I know I won't be able to eat forever or at least year. I feel crazy. Please tell me that this is normal. Please offer any advice of soothing insight - it would be so appreciated. Thanks.

I actually did pretty well from Oct to Feb27, my surgery date. However the last week that I was able to eat whatever I wanted to, I bought a box of Girl Scout mint cookies and ate the whole box. I would have broken the arm of anyone who tried to take one. lol. My Dr. calls it a food funeral. Saying goodbye to someone/ thing you love. But the truth is it is NOT forever. I could care less if I have carbs now, but it was almost a deal breaker when my nutritionist told me "no carbs for a year.

 

[Cin59]

Don't be discouraged...
We didn't put our weight on overnight and we will not lose it overnight give it time.
You should be proud of yourself for having the courage to start the journey into a new lifestyle. I'm proud of you and best wishes.

Thank you Teresa, your right we didn't put it on overnight, it is a scary new journey and kind of frustrating to come home weighing 11 lbs more than when you went in but they said that was all the fluid they put on me, so far 8 of the 11 is off, so hopefully I'm on the right track, just wish this pain would go away.