Anxiously counting down the days!

[NrseJessie]

Hi all, my name is Jessie. I'm sure my story is similar to most people here. I've been overweight most of my life, as far back as I can remember. Diet, exercise, lose a little, rebound, regain what was lost and then some. As I've seen a few others post here, I'm a nurse. I'm tired of being tired and in pain at the end of the workday. Tired of everything hurting always actually, neck, back, hips, legs, feet, etc. I'm on a first name basis with my chiropractor due to the constant back pain. And, as everyone knows, the constant pain makes it extremely difficult to exercise or want to do other things. There are so many things in life that I want to do that the weight holds me back from.

So, after much consideration and discussion with several friends/family who have taken this plunge, my surgery date is 12/19/16. I've read all the literature he's given me, talked to those I know who have had it done, read about it online, watched some shows regarding the surgery...and, feel informed. And, yet, people keep telling me to ask questions. I can't think of any questions! At least, none that haven't been answered already. What should I be asking that I'm not? lol

Today is day 1 of my 2 week pre-op liquid diet. I'm so worried I won't be able to stick with it. Everywhere a person looks, there's food! TV, radio, newspaper, driving down the highway...there's no escape!! Today, so far so good...but, there's still several days...and, A LOT of hours left to go. Any suggestions on how to stay on track with this liquid diet??

[licensetoheal]

Hello Jessie I just want to say hello and yes it is hard I started my pre-op liquid diet 6 days ago I'm on day 7 I'm sticking to it because I'm thinking about what is to come so I keep telling myself you could do it and I'm telling you that you can do it as well you and I have the same surgical day although I'm having mine in Tijuana good luck keep in touch

[NrseJessie]

Thanks, that's helpful. Our dates are actually a couple of days apart, mines 12/19. But, it's nice to chat with someone who's in a similar place as me. Yesterday wasn't so bad. Today, so far so good but I'm starting to get a pretty bad headache and I'm wondering if it's related to the lack of food, lol. I keep telling myself, it's for a great cause!

[Westy]

Yeah Jessie,we have the same date..... I also started pre-op today also really went well but I drink lots of water on a daily basis for yrs. So that should not be a problem. We are pushing surgery cause my policy at work will not cover after the 1st of the year...so Christmas will be a restful one!!


So I have a stupid question.what is an Avatar and how do I add ?

[NrseJessie]

Hi, Westy. I'm a big water drinker as well. Gave up soda 4 years ago and mostly only drink water. Occasionally an energy drink (while at work), sweet tea, or margaritas! lol. It's not the fluid intake that's difficult, it's the lack of food intake! Seriously though, so far so good. A few hunger pains but nothing crazy drastic. Had a major headache yesterday and was kind of cranky but that totally could've been work related.

I believe an avatar is basically the same as your profile picture, just a picture you want to represent yourself with. I chose to use an actual picture of myself. I received an email when I signed up a few days ago with links on adding an avatar, your surgery date, etc. Try clicking the gray box where your picture should go and see if it'll give you any information on how to add one.

[conder.sc]

Congratulations, I'm scheduled for the 20th.

[ghost_ryder]

Good Luck Jessie. Your two weeks will go by quickly just focus on other things. The key is keep your mind active during your awake hours and go to bed early and get plenty of sleep. This will help you curb your hunger. Don't fret if you break your fast, just restart and continue down the road. The big key is break the sugar and carbs to shrink your liver.

[healthyme3157]

Welcome. I just had surgery 10 days ago. I have had a great experience. I only had to do 2 days of clear liquids. I just stayed focus on the goal of losing weight. I am down 17 lb in 10 days. I am doing what the Doctor's tell me to do by the letter. I have never been able to stick with anything as well as I am doing now. You will need to stick to the plan to achieve your goal for surgery. Wishing you the best. Keep us posted.

[TarotAces]

Hi all, my name is Jessie. I'm sure my story is similar to most people here. I've been overweight most of my life, as far back as I can remember. Diet, exercise, lose a little, rebound, regain what was lost and then some. As I've seen a few others post here, I'm a nurse. I'm tired of being tired and in pain at the end of the workday. Tired of everything hurting always actually, neck, back, hips, legs, feet, etc. I'm on a first name basis with my chiropractor due to the constant back pain. And, as everyone knows, the constant pain makes it extremely difficult to exercise or want to do other things. There are so many things in life that I want to do that the weight holds me back from.

So, after much consideration and discussion with several friends/family who have taken this plunge, my surgery date is 12/19/16. I've read all the literature he's given me, talked to those I know who have had it done, read about it online, watched some shows regarding the surgery...and, feel informed. And, yet, people keep telling me to ask questions. I can't think of any questions! At least, none that haven't been answered already. What should I be asking that I'm not? lol

Today is day 1 of my 2 week pre-op liquid diet. I'm so worried I won't be able to stick with it. Everywhere a person looks, there's food! TV, radio, newspaper, driving down the highway...there's no escape!! Today, so far so good...but, there's still several days...and, A LOT of hours left to go. Any suggestions on how to stay on track with this liquid diet??

I completely understand how you're feeling. Look at it this way, it's only 2 weeks of the pre-op diet, and AFTER the surgery it will get SOO much easier. Hang in there girl. We're here for you.

You got this!

[griz9112]

my surgery is not until January I always remind myself that it will not last forever and that it will go by so fast and all just a memory.

[NrseJessie]

Thanks ghost_ryder, that's what I've been trying to do. Had a preplanned outing with friends yesterday, some of whom do not know I'm scheduled for surgery, and of course, they wanted to go out for a HUGE meal. I was able to work my way around it and only had soup. I've been doing way better with this liquid thing than I thought I would! It's extremely satisfying to know I can do this. Today is day 5 and still going strong!

[NrseJessie]

Congratulations, I'm scheduled for the 20th.

Congratulations conder.sc! It's wonderful finding people on the same schedule as me!

[NrseJessie]

Welcome. I just had surgery 10 days ago. I have had a great experience. I only had to do 2 days of clear liquids. I just stayed focus on the goal of losing weight. I am down 17 lb in 10 days. I am doing what the Doctor's tell me to do by the letter. I have never been able to stick with anything as well as I am doing now. You will need to stick to the plan to achieve your goal for surgery. Wishing you the best. Keep us posted.

Thanks! Congratulations on your surgery and I wish you much success in the future. I'm on day 5 of liquids...with 11 more to go. But, like you, I plan to do what the doctor tells me by the letter. I'm determined for this to be a success. I'll keep you posted, and you do the same! I look forward to hearing about your journey.

[NrseJessie]

I completely understand how you're feeling. Look at it this way, it's only 2 weeks of the pre-op diet, and AFTER the surgery it will get SOO much easier. Hang in there girl. We're here for you.

You got this!

Thanks TarotAces! That's what I keep telling myself. And, it's so helpful to talk with people here who are going through the same thing, or have went through it. I'm not sure how accurate it is because it seems impossible for it to be accurate after only 4 days, but, according to the dr's scale yesterday, I'm already down 10 lbs on this pre-op diet. Hopefully, that number keeps going down!!

[Christie13]

Remember the pre op diet is necessary for liver shrinkage. If your liver is too big it can complicate the surgery. As hard as it was I did mine as well. Probably the first time I stuck to a diet exclusively. As for advice, have you thought about your post op vitamin regimen? With you being a nurse you're going to want to make sure you have energy and stay healthy. I take quite a few and I feel great. I take a Bariatric Advantage multi vitamin, Bariatric Advantage calcium chew, B12 gummy 2x a day, 10,000 mcg biotin, Prilosec (helps with heartburn and false hunger pangs), and a stool softener. Take progress pics and measurements weekly. When you get back on solids you will fill up so fast it's more crucial to plan out your protein intake. Eat slowly or you'll feel discomfort. Also, if you eat quickly you may overeat without realizing and that can cause cramping and vomiting. Seriously I am at 2 tablespoons and I'm 5 weeks post op. Reach out whenever you need guidance or support. And get ready for a wonderful journey.