How are you preparing?

Hello all: It looks like my surgery will be scheduled for the end of April, so that leaves me with nearly two months to prepare. I feel like I should be doing something to get ready for my new life, but I'm not really sure what. What are some of you doing while you wait for your surgeries? Beth

I think that you can pick up a few things here and there for your suitcase....personal care products for the hospital stay and some very loose fitting clothes for the trip home.....try to wrap up loose ends around the house so you aren't worried about things when you come home. I think other then that most of us are just waiting and waiting and waiting....not much to do in in the mean time. Cheri

I agree with all those things, but I'm also thinking that I should be starting to walk or exercise more, or perhaps trying to wean myself off sugar. (I'm terribly addicted!) I also wondered if it would be prudent to donate blood for myself -- just in case! Beth

Exercise sure couldn't hurt.....I am already on a low carb, high protein diet.....I actually have started to feel really good off the surgar....I do cheat once in awhile, and have found it hard to break the surgar once I get into it again....I have to say for myself....breaking the sugar before surgery I think is a really good idea. Why don't you ask your Doctor about donating blood....it might be to late for you to donate....but I am not sure.. Cheri

I have been doing Curves to tone up. I cant walk much right now and most of my exercise is just getting on and off the machines. But it has helped alot in my strength. I dont think I can give blood because of my weight. I tried once but then I saw the weight restrictions. Maybe I am wrong..let me know. I have been eating more and more lately!! It is almost as though the closer I get the more I feel I have to have one more..You know the feeling. I am going to a therapist to help with these head things! One thing I might do is a protein fast 2 wks before surgery. Julia

Have you talked to your Dr. about the protein fast Julia? Just curious who gave you the idea to do that prior to surgery. I would think putting your body into ketosis just prior would put more stress then needed just before you go into surgery but just a guess. Would be good to hear what a WLS Dr's take is on that. I would do the same think too if it has some benefits. For me I've been just fighting to not go into that "last meal" mode. Although the last two weeks I have not been eating as healthy as I normally do and my workouts have gone from 5-6 days down to like 2-3 a week so I bet I've gained a little. Some of it is due to joint pain so trying to take it a little easier. Starting this week I'm shooting for 4-5 days in the gym again and eating out less. I think the eating out is really doing me more harm then good. I just make some bad choices when I am tired and we go out for dinner after work. It is a behavior change I have to work on.

I have definitely been in the last meal mode..and the closer I get the worse it is.. I think the purpose of the protein fast is to shrink the liver alittle so that the surgery can be done laproscopically. I am borderline and need to lose more weight. If your surgery is for sure lapro, then I wouldnt bother.