In your past life...

... prior to surgery, what was your last meal; the one food or one meal you wanted to eat prior to having surgery.

Was it a restaurant meal; which one , or did you cook it?

Were there other things you did before surgery other than Dr. prescribed? i.e. Clean out your closet, organize your pantry, buy an outfit 2 sizes smaller than you were wearing at that moment?

Ren

Well Ren, I'm in the same boat as you I have surgery coming up Oct 2nd.  And I have my last month planned out.  All the restaurants I want to eat my last meal at, (i.e., Outback, Olive Grove, Fogo De Chao).  Other than that, that is the only things I have done.  The special cleaning and stuff I'm leaving till I drop some weight and it's an easier task.  I don't plan on buying any special clothing, because a new wardrobe is not what I'm most looking forward to.  My SO said tto me last night, "Now you get to buy a whole new wardrobe"  I said to him that isn't what I'm looking forward to, he asked what it was, and I said "I'm looking forward to being more mobile, and being able to do things easier".

Good luck in your upcoming surgery.  What are your to do's for this month?

For this month, on my to do list is going to McCormick's & Schmicks for their Clambake and Melting Pot. Other than that, my main goal is to read as much as I can to get the information I need.

I'm doing this also to allow me to walk better, breathe better, be healthier. I can't wait to dance!!!

Sometimes guys don't get it.. or those who have not been reading about it. 

Me too, being more mobile, being able to do things easier again is #1! 
Since simple carbs will not be a possibility except in very limited portions after a year or two out, I plan to have a yummy pasta dinner probably at Olive Garden or macaroni grill in the near future, and  five guys bacon cheeseburger with thoase soft yummy buns and fresh cut french fries. 

I am getting all my vitamins this weekend and writing a list of what to bring to the hospital.  It's so exciting!!! 

Hey Ren -

Pre-op, I had a whole index card with places I wanted to eat and special foods/drinks I wanted.  I checked off every one, too!  LOL!!!  When I look back, that was crazy, because NONE were the last time I had a particular food or ate at a particular restaurant.  Granted, you won't being doing that immediately post-op, but you WILL be able to enjoy dining out and eating again, I promise.  You'll just hopefully learn to make better choices and focus on protein first, not drinking with your meals and opting for lower carb, s/f desserts. 

I did stock up on water and the Walmart version of Crystal Light, and I also bought a bunch of protein samples from various websites, www.vitalady.com, www.unjury.com and www.bariatriceating.com.  I purchased the supplements my surgeon said I should have, along with a pill crusher.  A day or two before my surgery, I went to the library and stocked up on my favorite reading materials, too. 

I also had my will update, power of attorney papers drawn up and an Advance Directive (DNR) drawn up.  I know it sounds morbid, but although I wasn't afraid of dying, I wanted there to be one less burden on my family should the unforeseen happen.

The day before was spent prepping (ICK!), and that night, I soaked in a hot bubble bath and shaved my legs!!  The OR staff were happy for that!!!  LOL!!

Other than that, there's not a whole lot you can do.  You won't need to take a bunch of stuff to the hospital, some lip balm, I took shampoo because I washed my hair in the sink while I was there, and some comfy clothes for the ride home.  A lot of people say a pillow for the ride home, too, but I didn't have a long ride and it wasn't bad. 

If you're having your surgery at GBMC, their pharmacy delivers, so the nurse should be able to fax or call in your going home meds for you and you can have them delivered, so you might want to make sure someone brings some $$ for any script copays you might have.

Lastly, make sure you have a friend on the board here so that someone can update us when you get out of surgery and join us on the loser's bench.

Other than that, sit back, take a deep breath and get ready for the ride of your life!

HTH,

Tia

Hi Tia,

Thanks for the info!  I too have 2 places left that I "must" enjoy prior to wls.  Thanks for the protein sites. I've read about one recently that seems most people like better (according to their information) Its the Nectar one. Any insight on that?

I have already done my living will and I'm currently working on a letter to each of my children and other important family member in case the outcome is not favorable.  I'm not afraid of dying, though i'm quite happy living!

Thanks for the info regarding GBMC... I was unaware of that since I've never used that hospital before.  The pillow, comfy clothes, chapstick and reading material are great ideas, thanks for that info!

I've also purchased a pill crusher, SF flavor packs for bottled water and have been reading Eggface's protein drink recipes.

I feel like I'm missing something, but I guess I'll find out beforehand... if not, I guess I didn't need it afterall.

Looking forward to joining you and all the other losers!

My regards,
Ren

Hey Ren -

Nectar............I've only tried the iced tea, which was okay, and the Tealicious, which was better, but I don't think they make that one anymore.  There are TONS of different proteins out there.  It's just a matter of finding one you can live with.  Be forewarned that your sense of taste and smell may change after wls.  Some of the samples I ordered I loved pre-op, then not at all post-op.  I can't handle a protein powder that's gritty, smells or is foamy when mixed up.  For me, I found the best ones to be the clear, fruit flavored Isopure (check GNC and when I was there, the GBMC pharmacy carried them, too), and the other is the EAS Advant Edge.  The Chocolate Fudge tasted like Yoo-Hoo, in a weird, bariatric way, and I sometimes use the French Vanilla as a creamer in my chai tea or coffee.  The thing I liked the best about the EAS is that they were thin - not gaggingly thick like some others.  Again, unfortunately, it comes down to what you can tolerate post-op.

Also, if you don't have one, you might want to invest in a blender or a Magic Bullet to mix your shakes and puree whatever food you'll be able to eat on the soft foods stage.

If I can do anything else, let me know!!

Hang in there!

Tia

I'm reading your 2 replies here,  too, thanks for the tips!  I have to say I love my magic bullet!  I put a little sugar/fat free pudding mix in with my shakes and it makes a huge difference.  Also I add a spoon of peanut butter in sometimes and that makes it really good.