I need some encouragement

Hi, I'm brand-new to this message board. I'm a pre-op and I just had my appointment with the dietitian who ripped through my food log. Basically, I have to re-work everything and so far I'm trying my best not to eat any sugar, caffeine or too much carbs. I really want to have this surgery but the dietitian said she would have to see me a couple more times before I would be OK. I was told by Dr. Aranow that I need to lose 10# but I gained an additional 7# since I met with him on May 1. My family is a little iffy about me having the surgery and so are some of my friends. I haven't had caffeine including soda since Wednesday and I haven't had any surgar since my meeting with the dietitian on Thursday. Anyone have any words of encouragement? Collette

Collette: What a lovely name. The process of walking towards surgery and preparing for it can be daunting at times. It can be overwhelming to say the very least. That said... it is also doable... with help. There is a fine line that the professionals we see have to walk when being "clear" with us what our part of the journey takes. It also can be hard to hear some advise that is given upfront. But in the long run if we are compliant with what is required of us, we then have the chance to make a change in our bodies and our lives. So I say keep yourself accountable... but with kindness. Give yourself credit for doing what you can now and asking yourself if you need to kick it up a notch. Baby steps... that is what got me to my surgery. Sounds like you are doing the same. One day at a time... you will make it. T.

Hi Towanda, Thanks for your reply. I made it! I got through the first few days without giving up! This is an accomplishment for me because if something looks too hard, I usually rationalize my way out if it. It helped to go shopping to buy healthier choices. I have never eaten so much vegetables in my life! I agree that this is a journey and so far, I'm on my way. Thanks for the encouragement! I also lost some weight which helps! Please keep in touch! Collette

Hi Collette, I am right there with you. Well, sorta. I am getting ready for my first visit with Dr. A's nut next Tuesday. (Yes everyone, I am keeping my food log this time). So I am at about the same stage you are. I have given up the evil demon caffeine for 2 weeks now, and I wont go back since it was evil then. My snacks at work are back on track again. No chips and junk but string cheese, fruits, veggies. Since we are at the same point if ya need a vent buddy, I am here for ya. This is hard but it will only get easier as we get used to it. Facing the demons wont get easier, but eating better will.

Welcome.  As you are finding out this a journey. The time it takes to reach our destination will vary as we are all  individuals. Don't be too hard on yourself. Take each day at a time. Try your best to start changing your ways of eating. Pick out an item to change (ie drink at least 8 cups water a day) and start that one week. Each week add a new goal ie, no caffiene, no soda, no sugar products. After a while it will become a habit. Try getting ready to be a post op by not having anything to drink 15 minutes prior to a meal and for 30-60 minutes after a meal. Start using a smaller plate for your meals, use baby utensils and practice chewing your food to a pulp. Start eating your protien first at meal time it will help fill you up better. These are some of the things to practice to help transition yoursefl for being a post op. You can succeed All the best Sher

Hi there: I'm new too.  I have a blog on my profile.  It is very difficult at first but you made it through the first few days.  That says something.  I am planning on having my surgery in June.   Giving up sweets was easy, giving up caffeine is the worst.   Many times family and friends understand how we feel.  It helps to have people to talk to on the board here. Believe it or not, it is really cool to read the posts and the replies.  It give you encouragement. So, chin up.  Every journey begins with a single step.