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When do I get to know more of what I should eat, when, etc?

Phinxy86

Phinxy86

Member
Hi guys and gals,
So I’m about 3 1/2 months pre op and I’m supposed to be losing 15 lbs on my own and my doctor was wondering if the surgeon and nurse practitioner went over the diet with me (they didn’t). All of what I know has been self research and an online class that was probably under an hour long. So I’m frustrated because they expect me to know everything without telling me anything. Im basically being left in the dark. I know I still have three and a half months left, but still. I have another surgery within this timeframe I’m worrying about too, so I need to know things! I think I have a pretty good grasp on things....no soda, 2-3 liters of water, healthier eating...I just need to get more active. But at my dr visit I was being asked questions I had no answers to because they were not discussed with me by anyone else....like healthy eating, exercising, etc. I have three more visits with my dr that are going to be the same way... So frustrating!
 
Phinxy, this information is alarming. There is no way you should be having this major surgery without having a team of relevant specialists. That includes your doctor, your surgeon, a local support group, and most importantly a nutritionist.

That nutritionist should have given you a very specific diet, broken down by days and weeks, instructing you to when to consume only clear liquids, then thicker liquids with some solids, then semi-soft food, then small amounts of regular digestible food. The diet should also point you to a lifestyle change, using vitamins, minerals, dietary supplements, and regular foods you should be consuming on a regular basis.

You are re-plumbing your digestive system. You cannot eat the same way again, even after you heal (though you will adjust to your own eating routine a year or so after). There are some foods you will never be able to eat again. Your body will also reject some foods that you might have loved but after surgery, the very thought of them might make you sick. Your dietary journey is specific to you, but you have to protect the surgery at first, and that is why you are ramped-up from liquids to solids over a four to six-week period, right in the beginning.

If your surgical program doesn't automatically include a nutritionist, I would want to know why. It's not only irresponsible, it's dangerous not to have one. Ask someone on your team and if you don't get a good answer, really think hard about what you're doing and who you should be talking to. And if necessary, get your own nutritionist.

Does your bariatric surgeon know about this other surgery you're having? Is it also in your abdominal area? Is it laparoscopic? Is your bariatric surgery going to be performed laparoscopically? Are you having a sleeve or RYGB or the duodenal switch? This sounds like something you should definitely be considering, and possibly postponing if you are having an open procedure with your bariatric surgery.

I don't know if you have a bad team or if you aren't asking questions you should be asking, but just let me underscore this is major surgery. You can't go into this without being fully informed. I don't want to scare you, but there are serious health consequences to not taking care of your new digestive system immediately following surgery.

Please post again after you have talked to a nutritionist and also talk to your doctor and make sure you are dealing with a qualified team. It just boggles my mind that you are having surgery soon and no one has talked to you about he post-surgical diet which is absolutely critical to your success and life.
 
To start my program I had to attend a 2.5 hour introductory session in which they gave each attendee a binder that had each step detailed and was full of information about all 3 weight loss surgeries. It was really good info to have. The pre-op diet was assigned according to bmi. Some people were 6weeks, some 4weeks, and then 2 weeks. Prior to pre-op diet it was to eat protein and veggies.
 
when I first went to my surgeon I was 601 and now today I am 558. All I do is cut out all other drinks beside water or gatorade zero or propel. And high protein low carb diet did it for me. And I really did not have to lose the weight I just had to not go over my first weigh in
 
I will call the woman who has been scheduling everything and talk about a nutritionist with her and ask why I have not gotten one yet. As I have researched, it’s obviously a huge change. My other “surgery” is in the process, at least I’d call it that because it’s invasive and long lasting. I’m getting dentures. So it will be over approximately a month or two before sleeve surgery. I don’t have a set date for surgery yet, but I am the type to plan EVERYTHING before I do something. Especially this. I’m already having to change my diet fro. Lack of teeth right now, but my dr. Wanted me to lose fifteen pounds without giving me any pointers or guidelines. I’m not stupid, so getting exercise and dieting are obvious; but I need to know more about the diet AFTER surgery. I want to start it early so it’s not a shock to me. I watched the online videos I was supposed to watch but that only gave a glimpse into it. I definitely don’t feel like it was enough. So I will contact the main person I’ve been dealing with and see what she says...I hope it’s not a Medicare/Medicaid issue because I know they’ll go by the very minimum they can.
 
I have the same insurance you have. Medicaid follows same guideline as Medicare. I was told tho that if any follow up on nutritionist visits ( not post op) would be out of pocket. Check with your insurance to be clear. As far as vitamins I was told 1 month ( one a day ) for about $ 40. I am like you on planning! As far as losing weight it I think it might depend on what surgery you have. But the diet should be outlined for you. Good luck and keep us posted!
 
So I finally got a response from an individual...apparently they were supposed to send out a booklet about dieting and never did, so that is in the mail. I should also be receiving an email from a dietitian with a more in-depth view of things I can eat, especially beings I only have two front teeth right now (come on mid to late August for my teeth!). It’s hard not reaching high sodium or carb levels unless I simply want to eat eggs or fish continuously right now. Finally not freaking out quite as bad. Lost six pounds so far in about four weeks(?) just from dropping soda and drinking water and cutting down on food intake. I proud of myself, but it’s hard to be happy about it when I have no support system. Whatever though, I’m doing this for me!

I also got in contact with someone who informed me about the support group that is monthly!
 
My goodness! I can only imagine how you must feel with only two teeth. I was nuts when I had one back tooth pulled.
I am so glad they finally got back to you.
Congrats on the 6lbs. One pound at time and one day at a time.
 
honeysgirl said:
My goodness! I can only imagine how you must feel with only two teeth. I was nuts when I had one back tooth pulled.
I am so glad they finally got back to you.
Congrats on the 6lbs. One pound at time and one day at a time.
Click to expand...
It’s been interesting to say the least, and glad I can take ibuprofen since I’m pre op. Tylenol doesn’t do much for mouth pain, in my opinion.

Thank you for the congrats, it feels good having someone else say that!
 
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