Pre-Op Sucks!

[Sleeveless in Seattle]

Half of me,
I cut all junk, sugar and breads. I did have a few birthday parties I treated as special occasions and did eat that stuff. In the 2-1/2 months before surgery I lost 27 lbs and only 6 of that was on my actual pre-op diet. I'm so glad I did it, it really prepared me to embrace this as a lifestyle.

[LivingTheSleevedLife]

Thanks for your support. I'm feeling pretty good today - only 11 days left!! The hardest part is at night time as this has always been my trigger point, but i'm getting through. Big picture, big picture

[LivingTheSleevedLife]

Thought I'd just jump back on and let you all know I'm still here and still going strong with the pre-op. Weighed myself this morning and i have lost an amazing 5kgs (11lbs) so now I'm feeling much better about the diet. I still dream about eating a big juicy burger and pretty sure that will never go away, but now I'm getting used to my optifast meals (have found the shakes to be the best) and in exactly 7 days I will join the sleeved side.

Thanks for keeping me strong everyone, it's amazing what a little support can get you through!

[terrora]

Wow you guys, my pre-op is the day before surgery liquids only that's it. I know you guys can do it, I am pulling for you. Susan, you're doing great, you're one week before me.

Ya my preop is 5 days of yogurt and water,,one coffee a day. I think because my BMI is on the low end?? 30.

[emc9521]

Gleek-Glad it's getting easier for you. I start my pre-op diet on June 28th. One day before we leave the beach and two days before my birthday. I'm trying to go ahead and stop my Coke Zeros so I'm not completely miserable all at once! I have been reading, though, that the stricter you stick to your pre-op, the better your recovery is likely to be, so when I jump on here crying because I'm desperate for a Coke Zero, y'all remind me of that ok? Good luck to you!

[connie3]

The idea of the preop is to get your liver smaller and safer for surgery. I did 10 days and it was horrid. However my doctor asked how I did on the preoperative and I said good as I could. He said my liver was nice and small and compact. Was nice to heard a positive for all the suffering. Keep that in mind.

[Terps]

Hey Angela, glad its getting better for you. I can't image having to do this for 2 weeks!!! I'm on day 2 (only 3 days required) and I had a massive headache today, I feel exhausted, a bit dizzy, and just cruddy. Hang in there...it will all be worth it!

[LivingTheSleevedLife]

Thanks everyone,

Good luck Kristen - see you on the other side!

[terrora]

Gleek-Glad it's getting easier for you. I start my pre-op diet on June 28th. One day before we leave the beach and two days before my birthday. I'm trying to go ahead and stop my Coke Zeros so I'm not completely miserable all at once! I have been reading, though, that the stricter you stick to your pre-op, the better your recovery is likely to be, so when I jump on here crying because I'm desperate for a Coke Zero, y'all remind me of that ok? Good luck to you!

I think the hardest thing in all of this for me is going to be giving up coke zero!! Pathetic I know..:O)

[LivingTheSleevedLife]

I gave up diet drinks a couple of months ago - the withdrawal was terrible and probably the hardest thing to detox from!! But now i'm happily living without it - YOU CAN DO IT!!

[emc9521]

I think the hardest thing in all of this for me is going to be giving up coke zero!! Pathetic I know..:O)

Not pathetic at all, because I'm pretty sure that's the thing I'm dreading most..

[terrora]

Not pathetic at all, because I'm pretty sure that's the thing I'm dreading most..

Sure,,cut out most of our stomach but do NOT make us give up diet coke!!

[mdeerberg]

I am a month post-op and I have to say the pre-op was the hardest. Not sure which shakes you have tried, but Unjury powder (Chocolate is wonderful) and Premiere Pre-mixed (I like both vanilla and chocolate) are my favorite. There is a peanut butter flavored powder that you can add to your shakes without adding a ton of calories or fat. It's called PB.

[emski87]

I can completely relate to this x I am currently on day 9 of the pre op diet, only 5 days until surgery!!

I have also quit smoking so feeling the need to eat has been hard! went food shopping with my mum the other night and whilst walking round ASDA, couldn't help notice every single food and how much I wanted it! I have had one slip, where I was at college yesterday and really wanted a hot drink as was cold (sat under the air con unit for 2 hours doesn't help!!) and without thinking got a hot chocolate!! was not happy!

I have been a banana mid morning - breakfast makes me feel nauseous, so its a no go! then salad with a piece of bread at lunch time follow by a yoghurt/fromage frais and then a bowl of cornflakes when I get home from work (what I should have for breakfast!) and then pasta or rice with a bit of cheese and chicken. at some point during the day I will eat another portion of fruit grapes or an apple or something, but hold it back for when I feel hungry or am thinking of food!!

it is quite boring and as I can have no dressings or anything with my salad, I find that so hard to digest as it is quite dry!!

keep with it, you are doing great so far and it does get easier I promise! just count down the days, im in the frame of mind currently that I only have to eat another 4 lunch time dry salads before my operation! I actually don't mind salad, but its not the best currently lol x

if I want something sweet, I will have some low calorie double strength cordial/squash as these taste very sweet but are allowed freely on my pre op diet and that seems to take the craving away

remember, it is only natural for you to crave the things you're "not allowed", as soon as someone says "no you cant have that" you want it, so you're perfectly normal x this is just a means to an end to help get you on track for a healthier you and a brighter future x

good luck x lets us know how you get on next week xxx