Who's scheduled for the 27th?
I have been a reader, but not a poster, on this website for a couple months and it has been very helpful in preparing for the big day. I am scheduled for band placement on Tuesday January 27 so if any other banders are scheduled then and want to compare pre-op jitters and post-op experiences I would be happy to chat with you!
Hi kcb1955 -
I'm scheduled for Jan 28. It's not the 27th, but I saw your 1955 and I'm guessing that might be your birth year - because it's mine. June 9 actually. I've never posted before nor replied to anyone, but I thought I'd respond to you - and I have a question for you. I've been put on a 10 day pre-op liquid diet. This is day 3 and although I'm not hungry, I'm not understanding the diet well. Rather than call the dr's office, I thought I'd ask you if you're on a similar restriction and how you're getting along. My only choices are Carnation Instant Breakfast, SlimFast, Boost or Ensure for my meals, along with water, coffee, tea, broth or bouillon, sugar free Kool-Aid, Propel, Fruit20, or Crystal Light.
Is is just liquids they want me on to reduce the size of my liver? If so, why not some sugar free cocoa with skim milk? It can't necessarily be low fat or sugar free because of the fat in the CIB. They didn't say the CIB needed to be sugar free. I think I'm looking forward to being post-op and able to have fruit juices for a while! It doesn't help that I live in Minnesota and can't get warm, so I'm constantly wanting warm beverages!
I'm not fearful of the surgery as I had a mass removed from my lung last February. They thought it might be cancer, but turned out to be an infection (histopasmosis). After that scare, this should be a breeze.
Anyway, I've gone on too long about myself. I'd really like a pen pal, so if you're game, please let me know! Good luck!
Greetings kcb, I too am a 1955er!
While you didn't ask the question of me, I thought I might be able to help a little. I read your posting and your liquid diet is basically the same one I had to do. I think the reason why the choices is for CIB, Slim Fast or Boost vs. hot chocolate is the vitamin & fat content. I was limited to 3 Slim Fasts and just clear liquids for a week prior to surgery.
Suggestions for getting warmer beverages, I found drinking Chamomile or Orange Spice herbal teas were pretty satisfying and helped to keep me hyrdrated. It is really helpful to get in as may liquids as you can as it will be easier for your anesthesiologist & nurses to help you getting blood or starting IV's.
I sure do wish you and everyone who is waiting for surgery the best and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Please keep in touch and let us know how you're doing.
Hugs and good thoughts,
Barb
I am happy to chat with you! Maybe we can get through this thing together! I can't advise you at all about the diet, but I can give you sympathy! Minnesota AND most cold liquids to eat sounds like a challenge, but the payoff will be TERRIFIC! We just have to keep our eyes on our goals. My surgeon doesn't put people on on the liquid diets pre-op. I have been surprised to find that this week, my final week of eating "normal" food, I have no desire to pig out on stuff that is bad for me. Perhaps that is my mind and body preparing themselves for the changes that will occur with surgery. I am actually feeling thankful and looking forward to being free of the constant quest for food!
Try to get warm and let's stay in touch!
on 1/21/09 1:38 am
I am not required to follow any special diet pre-op and I thought I would be eating everything in sight this week in a "goodbye to food" frenzy. But strangely, I am not interested in food at all! I get hungry, but just don't have a desire for the pleasure I normally associate with eating. Maybe that is my mind preparing my body for the challenges coming up? WHo knows. But it sure feels great to be free of that constant anticipation of my next meal. Now, if this will only last for a couple of years til I get to my goal weight it will be great!!!