Pre op

Hi, I was just wondering about Pre op appointments. Who has done theirs yet? How was it? And what is everyone doing to prepare for their Oct. surgeries?? My Pre op appt. is this Friday the 24th, and my surgery is Oct. 12!! I know I'm getting in as much excersize as my slowly healing busted ankle will allow. And drinking a ton of water, trying to get the weight off. I noticed today that my pants were starting to fall off, as I walked to the bathroom. So that's a good thing!! Also, I know I'm having this problem, and wondering if anyone else is. I'm having issues with food, and "last meals" I want to eat everything, cuz I'm scared I won't have it again. Friends/family are taking me places for last time events, or cooking me food that I love "for the last time" Is anyone else having issues like this?? If you are, how are you dealing with it??? Renee*

Hello Renee, My surgery is on 10/20 and my pre-op tests are for 10/11, I asked the PCP if that wasn't to late and they said they would rush them. My friend suggested that I start drinking my vitamins before surgery and try to drink a lot of water, as far as losing weight before, I can't even think about that because then I will stress out more! I am just trying not to pig out and I know what you mean about "last meals" everyone is trying to take me out too. To be honest I just want my mom's or my home cookin' for last meals. My surgeon doesn't even put us on a pre-op diet but I am still going to do liquids two days before, because I will feel better. Good Luck!

Thanks!! I don't know what my surgeon's pre op diet is yet either. One of my friends with the same surgeon had to do a month long liquid diet before surgery. Another friend only a week. So he varies! My surgeon is very strict on making us lose the pre op weight. So far, I've been doing very good!!! Good luck on your surgery!!!! Renee*

My surgery is 8 October and I have my first preop last Friday. I have 2nd (gall bladder ultrasound and EKG) on the 27th of Sep. I think most of us have our "last meals" before surgery. I am sure that once we are on regular food we may be able to eat some of our favorites just not in the larger amounts we eat now. Good luck on your journey.

One of my post op friends told me the same thing. You will be able to eat your favorite foods again one day. But just a bite or so and it will be satisfying!! Moderation is the key!! But I just had to have a Big Dawg at the A's game last weekend!!! Good luck on your surgery and pre op testing!!!! Renee*

Hi Renee I have my surgery October 11th, and my pre-op appointment September 28th. But that is just to sign a contract with my surgeon that I will come to support group meetings and appointments, keep in contact with the office for at least 10 years after, and follow the surgeon's instructions. Then I go to the hospital for pre-admission and final blood work. I am also going through the "final meal syndrome." I have no family close, and I don't think they would do that to me. My friends are letting me lead the way, but I have a list of foods I want to eat, possibly for the last time. Mostly I crave milk products and sweets. Instead of candy I bought protein bars to see how they taste. I have been losing weight since I started thinking about having the surgery in February, so I am not trying to diet. I think "final meal syndrome" is normal, and as long as you don't take it too far it's okay. If you are having a problem with friends, why don't you set a date to have all of your friends over to pig out at one time. Or have them take you out some place. I'm sure my Mom and brother will do that when they get here about a week ahead of surgery. Good luck. I would like to here from you again. Donna

Hey Donna The last meal thing is tuff!!! Especially since my Grandma lives next door, and LOVES to feed people!!!!! She will come over with home made tortillas (my FAVORITE) Or my cousins will want to go to "our" restaurant. A homestyle italian place that serves a TON of food! I'm trying to be good!!!!! At least I am getting some excersize in. And I drink 2 liters of water while at work, and more when I get home. Going back and fourth to the bathroom must also be great excersize!!! I must be doing something right thou, cuz today my pants, that I always wear, are falling down! Good luck with your surgery, and "last meals" Renee*

Hi Renee! I know exactly how you feel! I am also having those cravings but I am trying hard to resist them though it is difficult. My surgery date is also Oct. 12th!! My pre-op blood work, tests, etc. is on Oct. 6th. My Education class isn't until the day before surgery! My approval came in rather quickly and so they are going to give me a personal edu. class. Since I have to travel 3 hours to get to Coos Bay for surgery, they are trying to schedule my evaluation on the same day as my pre-op tests. I am kind of worried that they won't have all the results since that is only 6 days before surgery but maybe they will put a rush on them. Anyway, I am trying to be good about what I am eating with regards to losing the 20 lbs that the doctor wants me to lose before surgery. I am worried that I will not be able to lose it since surgery for me is right around the corner. Someone suggested planning a day for friends to gather and eat your favorites and that sounds like good advice. Since my birthday is Oct. 7th, I think that will be my "last meal" as I plan to have a dessert with dinner. I don't eat much in the way of desserts as it is but since it will be my birthday I don't think that is too bad. Good luck with your surgery! Hope to hear from you! Take care. Rachella

A birthday last meal sounds great!!!! Be sure to really enjoy that birthday cake!!! I'm sure all your tests will be in, or they wouldn't have scheduled you so late!! Good luck though, and my fingers will be crossed for you!!! Do you know when in the day you will be having surgery?? They told me that I'm scheduled for the morning! I really think that drinking soooooo much water has had a big impact on my weight loss. So I'm gonna keep up with that, and try to stay strict with myself!!! Take care, and good luck!!!!! I'll be thinking of you!!!!!!! Renee*

Hi Renee, I am having my pre-op appointments on the 23rd of Sept., just a day before you. My surgery is Oct. 5. I like the fact that you've been drinking lots of water. It really does make a difference. I've been doing that, too, especially when I have the munchies in the evening. I drink water and tell myself that I don't really need the snack, all I need is the water. For some reason, that works! Although, I did buy a pumpkin pie at Costco today and I had a piece for dessert, thinking it would be the last time I have it for a LONG time. But after having to lose weight for the surgeon, I'm not about to blow it now and risk having her postpone surgery. ~Cathy