Advice for those 1-2 months out?

[DHB]

Originally I was supposed to have surgery last week but my insurance company required a "center of excellence" which complicated things and means I will have to wait 2 months so my surgeon can do my procedure at a nearby hospital. I'm frustrated but know I can use this time to work harder on my underlying issues, post op prep, etc.

So my question to all of you who have gone through this is what do you wish you had done pre-op that you didn't do?

Thanks for your advice, tips, etc. I've taken the nutrition classes, etc. but I know I still can't imagine eating only a very small portion of what I eat now.

[A Fairly Odd Panda]

Hi DHB,

I too had insurance that required quite a bit of pre-op prep in order to qualify for my sleeve surgery. Minimum requirements? Had to lose 8% of my initial weight, attend a 6 week lifestyle changes class, and at least 2 seminars, plus two psych evals to make sure I was ready and able to handle the stress/strain of what was to come. All of this was needed before I got approved for my surgery. If I had stuck to my guns, really bit the bullet, and nailed everything, I could have done it all in 4-5 months. I started off really gung-ho those first three months. Then I wavered. I lost steam, honestly. It was the weight loss portion that really did me in. I'd lose, then regain, then lose, then regain. It took me 1 1/2 years to complete everything they required of me. But that isn't to say it will take you as long.

To be frank, if I had to re-do it? I would suggest to my past self to stay in therapy and go to more monthly support groups. You don't really realize it until you stop, but those groups keep you fueled. Being around folks who understand what you are going through, and have a wonderful attitude about things is very bolstering. Find yourself a weekly/bi-weekly/monthly support group of any combination of pre-op or post-op gastric patients. If you can afford it, find a therapist who specializes in overeating or similar troubles who can be a more personalized and private support point to talk about underlying issues.

As far as imagining eating ... post-op you likely won't even have a hunger drive. I am 5 weeks post-op and I still have 0 hunger. In fact, I rarely wish to put anything in my mouth. Eating is a chore now. Some days I can only manage to get in my fluids, and to heck to food in general. But protein is absolutely essential. Your body will use your fat stores for calories, but it cannot get protein from them. I have read hunger will return in the coming months, or it may not, each case is pretty different in that regard from what I have discussed with other sleevers.

You're in the last 2 months. You can do this!

[sraebaer]

I was self-pay, so basically just signed up for my surgery. All I did was follow my required pre-op diet for the 5 days before surgery. (Oh, and I did attend classes to learn everything I needed to know, everything pre and post surgery. My nut was quite specific about vitamins, protein drinks, etc. I got a food schedule for the 6 weeks after surgery.)

All the fun stuff happens AFTER surgery!

[DHB]

Thank you so much for your response. I so identify with your journey. I've been on dozens of diets but something about this period of time is messing with my head. I suddenly realize I'll never enjoy some beloved food again and I have to have it. Some days my hunger is 12 on a 10 pt scale. And somedays I'm afraid I'll wake up from surgery with a small stomach and still have my big appetite. So thanks for sharing your experience and I'm going to take your advice and find a good therapist.

[DHB]

Thanks so much!

[sraebaer]

Don't worry about waking up from surgery with a big appetite, it's not going to happen. No way. And there is no food you will never enjoy again, you will be able to enjoy any food in moderation. (Not right after surgery of course, but later on. And right after surgery you're not going to care.)

Monthly support groups are great, and help keep me accountable. If your surgeon has them, I would highly recommend attending.

[Alynn]

You have to take it one day at a time. I am About 3 months out and my taste have changed. Some days are easier to eat than others. Start saving for new clothes.

[mara]

feeling exactly the same way....hope I'm doing the right thing. I can only hope and pray it all works out! good luck

[Christie13]

Went through insurance as well. It took me about 7 months. I only regretted not making my decision sooner. I don't think I needed anything additional as I went through all the classes and learned what I needed to. I had already got my mindset right, but I know some people need extra therapy to deal with their eating issues.

[ghost_ryder]

Don't think of it as never having your favorite foods again. think of it as never having as much of your favorite foods as you used to have. After 6-8 months, you will be able to eat whatever you want, it is up to you to decide if the chocolate is worth the calories and carbs. Your only restriction is going to be your portion sizes.

[PokerGuy]

best Advice.. STOP all caffeine a week before surgery.

[GigiUSA]

You know when I was pre-op and before I started the pre-op diet... I had my food funerals and I really did decide which foods I was going to miss most and I ate them one last time. I felt really bad about it and then a few others on this site said they did the same thing. Now 2 months post-op, I am glad that I did it because those foods do not even appeal to me. It is really funny but you change afterwards in so many ways.

I started my pre-op diet about 5 days earlier than my surgeon suggested and I am glad that I did it. I felt great and did not have any complications.

Honestly... pre-surgery is the hardest part. You got this!!!! In 2 months, you will be rocking your sleeve too!!!! Best wishes to you xo

[NYCGIRL000]

I had to quit smoking cold turkey a month before surgery and starve but I was so excited I didn't care!! I don't know about anyone else but after surgery the two weeks I was on liquids only I was starving all the time. Once I started solids I can't get down more than two bites of anything and I'm never hungry. The solid proteins is what fills me up in two seconds, I can't even eat a whole egg. Also my tastes completely changed. My pig out foods before were potato chips and wheat thins and now both taste disgusting to me. The only thing I still love is cz, especially cottage cz. I even tried eating corned beef hash which I used to love and it was gross. You will feel very different once you eat solids so don't worry if your hungry on liquids, I was starving but lots of others weren't.