Pre- Op Waiting

[mhayibra41]

Hi everyone,

I finally made the decision to have hopefully, the Lap Band; however, the doctor wants to do a sleeve gastrectomy. I weigh over 350 lbs and have about 10 critical health problems that can be improved with weight loss. I am really having trouble with the food aspect or lack thereof. My doctor wanted me to do a 700 calorie diet. Reducing my portion sizes and diet intake from 3000 calories to 700 was like torture so, I have decided to do the protein shake route which is less tortuous.

I know this will be worth it and it will extend my life. My question is how to adjust to the shake and formulas as well as the reduced calorie phase prior to the diet.

Thanks so much for reading my post.

Michele

 

[TwoMas]

Hi Michele, Welcome. The doctor probably wants you to have the sleeve because can be more effective that the Lap Band for some patients and he may thinkl it would be best for you. However this is your body and your descision and I know it doesn't come easy, I chose the RnY because I did not want a foriegn object implanted and there was also a posability it could slip and need a surgical readjustment and with my luck it would happen when I was in the middle of the wilderness 100's of miles from any help, I have also talked to others who chose the Lap Band becaise it doesn't come with the malabsortion issues that the RnY does. I think the Sleeve is the happy medium for others that don't want the band but also doen't have as bad of a malabsorbtion as RnY.

I guess that didn't answer your question to adjusting to the low cal high protien diet. Well protien shakes are the best way to go but ist is still very difficult pre surgery and I found myself cheating but I did still lose weight, it is important not to cheat when you have to do your pre surgery diet because it is meant to clean out your intestines colon and stomach and it does. Post surgery you should have no problem with the low cal, high protien meal plan if you go with the sleeve, if you have the band it may take several adjustments until they get it to the correct size, that may take a few visits. So keep trying shake mixes until you find the ones you like because you will have to drink them for a week or two dending on you choice of WLS. Let us know how you are doing. Tom

 

[ascooke63]

I was told not to use the protein shakes as a meal replacement pre-op at least, you should also have something else with them like a piece of fruit for example also you should practice no drinking 30 mins before 0r 30 mins after a meal. and with the sleeve after surgery your total meal should be no more rthan 2 cups per meal. alot to deal with I know but it will be worth it in end. Sandra

 

[NanaG67]

I see my surgeon this week, and will see exactly what he wants me to do prior to surgery. I have papers from the previous visits, but haven't actually seen my surgeon. I need to know exactly what he expects out of me prior to surgery. They told me modify my diet, which I have to an extent. They said to modify the intake of breads, rice, pasta and sodas, some days are easier then others. I plan on asking a bunch of questions and will let everyone on here know exactly what he tells me.

 

[KathyL]

I have the same thoughts. I am addicted to food. I am going to ask every question I can think of before I make my final decision.
Good Luck,
Kathy

 

[robergnm]

Hi Michelle,

I'm pre-op, too. The surgeon told me that the roux n y was what I needed. After learning the pros & cons & realizing there was the ability to cheat with the band I knew it wasn't an option for me whatsoever. I face the fact that I'm a food addict. The surgeon said band wasn't an option with the large hiatal hernia that will be repaired during the surgery, too.

Have you had an appointment with the team's dietician? That was a requirement before they would submit the paperwork to the ins co.
Was NOT looking forward to appt but it was very positive. She helped me make immediate better food decisions & explained a lot of things to me.

The program at Froedert & the Medical College of WI does NOT allow protein shakes. I asked why, we need to eat food for the rest of our life and cannot fill up on liquids; food that is high in protein, very low in sugar and fat is the way to go.

I'm on a 2 week pre-op diet that is approximately 1,300 calories per day; lots of food & food prep but I think it's good practice or excellent training for post surgery - phase III diet.
There are many things you can do to make the food more palatable that I never would have thought of myself.

My hunch is that your MD wants to see if you're truly commited to losing weight & the diet they've asked you to follow is a hoop you need to jump through?
Can you see a dietician who can help you plan at least a weeks meals that are interchangable for each of the three daily?
If you are given samples/examples it may be easier to follow along & I'll bet they'll be able to work in more food than you realize & you will be full.
Are they having you drink 8 oz of milk between your three meals daily to get in calcium & more protein?

Personally I'm finding that the protein keeps me full longer & feeling better.

Keep reaching out, ask for help, get someone to help you get what you need that will work for you.
Personally, I agree with my team that protein shakes should be avoided - just saying.

Best wishes, I hope you do extremely well on your journey.

Mary Roberts, Milwaukee, WI

 

[NanaG67]

When I had my initial consult with the surgeon, I had 4 options available. Bypass, Sleeve, Lap Band, and the duodenal switch. Right away we took the band out of the equation. Because of my BMI, they said the switch would be the better option for me. I'm not really sure why at this point. But I am happy with my decision. I haven't had the surgery yet, that will be June 25 as long as my dr gives me cardiac clearance, which I dont see a problem with that. Anyway, I am only supposed to modify my diet right now, then a week before do a total liquid diet, and the day before totally clear liquids. I am doing the EAS drinks, they are delicious and I have tried the chocolate fudge and the french vanilla. Next week I am picking up some strawberry to see how I like it. This being said, I feel I will be ok as long as I can still handle the taste after the fact