What have you done to prepare?

What have you done to prepare for your new life? Do you think you are well prepared? In order to get my surgery I had to take Kaisers 6mo Options course. It was 1.5 hours, once a week. We learned all sorts of things about the surgery and a lot about emotions, assertivness and handling stress. I really wish there had been more on the things we will go through physically after the surgery. Michelle in SoCal

Hi Michelle, I had to do a 3-month intensive program for my insurance company - meet with counselor on behavior modification, meet with nutritionist and a physical trainer. I learned so much during that 3 months. I'm really glad I had to do it. I've also read a lot of books on emotional eating and ways to deal with it. I'm trying to do for my head what WLS will do for my stomache!! Now I've got all my vitamins (I had to start taking them last week) and I'm sampling protein supplements. I haven't found one I really like yet. I'm also working on getting my husband and daughter ready for the change. I will be on clear liquids for 4 weeks after surgery so they know they are on their own as far as cooking during that month. Once I get more used to the routine, Im sure I'll be able to be around the things they eat. They both eat fairly healthy already with an occasional treat. I've had abdominal surgeries in the past so I am familiar with how it feels physically. I think I'm as prepared as I can be and am looking forward to occupying my spot on the loser's bench. I wish you every success with your surgery. Cheri

Cheri- That is go great you are so prepared. I bet you are going to do great. I think sometimes some of the people here get approved so fast and get the surgery right away they don't know what hit them. That is the main reason Kaiser started the 6mo Options program. They found people were not prepared. I wouldn't worry about not being able to find a protein drink yet. I keep reading that even if you love it before the surgery you might hate it after. Or vice versa. You have inspired me to start taking my vitamins. I am going to go out and get them right away and start tomorrow. Michelle in SoCal

I wish they offered something like that here! You are pretty much on your own for prepairing for the surgery. They tell you what to do for the 2 weeks before and up to the 10 weeks after food wise but that is it!

Well it's a good thing you found OH. I am sure you can find all the support you need here. Michelle in SoCal

Michelle, I wish there was a check off list that we could use to be sure you are preparred, heard of any? Ive started all the vitamins a month ago , found and bought several protein powders , read several books , and recipies books for WLS , read thousands (it seems) of profiles , practiced cooking . And now it feels like i am "nesting?" just like before the kids came, I have this urgent feeling of getting everything done and clean? Am I missing something?..............Kitty

Kitty- Sounds like you are doing great. You sound better prepared than me. I need to get my papers out from class and re-read them. I kind of have the cleaning bug too. Wish I had it more so I could get all this junk moved though. A checklist sounds great. I bet someone on the main board has one. Michelle in SoCal