behavioral changes before surgery, when I should make them

I have questions about some behavioral changes I will need to make before my surgery in January. Here they are: Surgery date Jan 26th Im a coffee drinker, drinking about 16 to 24 oz a day. when do I have to give this up. Im still enjoying chocolate and sweets, not overdoing or gaining weight, just have a snack size now and then. when should I stop. I have not tried the protein drinks yet, when should I do this I am not exercising at all. back pain. do I have to start exercising before the surgery or can I wait until after because of the back pain. i have to take vicodans for the pain it is so severe. when should i wean off of those before surgery. can i crush thyroid pills after surgery and have them still be effective. should i get used to taking vitamins now. currently dont take any.

Hi Lauren! Here's my opinion... 1. Im a coffee drinker, drinking about 16 to 24 oz a day. when do I have to give this up. Try weaning yourself so that you what you're left with is a low or no calorie beverage that is caffiene free. Get rid of the sugar, the creamer and sub for equal and NF creamer. 2. Im still enjoying chocolate and sweets, not overdoing or gaining weight, just have a snack size now and then. when should I stop. The sooner you get these out of your life as a 'regular' thing, the better. Stop buying them now. 3. I have not tried the protein drinks yet, when should I do this. I didn't have any protein drinks until after surgery. You don't need to sample them now, since your tastes will change..but you might try a few just to see what's out ther for variety. 4. I am not exercising at all. back pain. do I have to start exercising before the surgery or can I wait until after because of the back pain. i have to take vicodans for the pain it is so severe. when should i wean off of those before surgery. You need to speak to your surgeon specifically about the vicodin and when you need to stop that. Exercise now will make for an easier recovery. ANY exercise you can do now will help you later. 5. can i crush thyroid pills after surgery and have them still be effective. You need to speak to your Dr. about this. 6. should i get used to taking vitamins now. currently dont take any. Vitamins are a good idea, period. YOu should get them to be a part of your daily habit now. They can only help you to be more healthy. Good luck to you! (who IS your surgeon, btw.?) Lisa C

Hi Lauren. I gave up carbonation, caffeine and alcohol. None of which were hard for me to give up. I also stopped all unhealthy fast food - that was a problem for me. I started daily vitamins and really practice chewing my food and not drinking water while I eat a meal. It's not that hard to do - easier than I thought. I am trying to get into the habits preop. I haven't tried any protein drinks yet, but have bought a few different kinds for after my surgery. I have no idea what I'll be able to tolerate so I got just a few different kinds and will go out later to buy what settles well in my new pouch. Good luck!!!!

Hi Lauren, Good luck at your son's conference tonight. I just thought I would give you my tips on what I did. 1. I never gave up my coffee, but after sugery I found that I really didn't want it until about a week after surgery. Then I was only able to drink abot 4-6 oz in the morning and it would take me about 1 1/2 hous and 3 reheats in the microwave. I love my coffee, but that amount was plenty for me and now I still only drink about 6 0z a day. 2. The Chocolate and sweets were always my downfall and I did try to limit them well before surgery. That was very hard for me to do because I fell into the last supper syndrome and rationalized everything by saying I won't be able to have this again. About 3 weeks before surgery I started the Atkins induction phase which was a requirement for surgery(although it was only supposed to be for two weeks). I have not had anything sweet since then, nor do I have any craving or desire for anything sweet! It is the most astonishing thing I have ever experienced! 3. The protein drinks are iffy. The ones I liked prior to surgery taste horrible now. The only one I drink now is Atkins chocolate royale which I love. 4. I would try to start walking if at all possible. You really want to be in the best shape possible for surgery and walking will improve your heart and your lungs and make you much stronger for surgery. Your Dr will have to advise you about the vicodan. 5. Your Dr or pharmacist will also have to advise you about the thyroid meds. Some meds can't be taken crushed also depending on the medication and where it is absorbed you may have to have your dosage changed or way of taking it changed. 6. Yes Yes! Start taking vitamins now. Anything to make yourself healthier before surgery is where you want to be. Well this is my opinion for what it is worth, Good luck to you and can't wait to meet you on Saturday. Sandy