Chew, Chew, Chew

So I am still pre-op and I went to my 3rd and last appointment with the nut last week and he gave me the go ahead and will submit a letter on my behalf. Anyhow, I've been working on a lot of things to get ready for the surgery, but one thing I have not been working on and the nut says I should start now is chewing my food to applesauce consistency and taking 30 minutes to eat a meal. My question to all of you....when did you start doing that? I don't even have a surgery date and I'm thinking it won't be until Jan or Feb. I know it is something I MUST do once the surgery happens, but doing it this far out...really?? 

Heidi

Well, I went out of country so didn't have any pre-op stuff done.   That means I didn't practice my chewing until after surgery and it was just fine.   You will know verrry early on if you didn't chew well enough.  That said, I think it is probably a good idea to practice for awhile beforehand.  I'd personally do it for a week IF I wasn't on liquids for the week pre-op.   I'm certainly not a doctor, but I also don't like to practice goofy stuff, either.

Whatever you decide to do, good luck with the surgery  . . . we're all rooting for you!

Oh, ya, here's the obligatory "you should do whatever your doc tells you to" note.

Tuna

I started to apply some of the post-surgery principles to my eating habits about six weeks out. I had been doing a "casual" diet for three months prior to that and only lost 10 pounds. When I started applying principles and was visiting my psychologist, I ended up losing a bunch more (about 50 pounds total. I knew this would help the surgeon be able to do his best work, and gave me (a 60 year old) the BESST chance to survive surgery (which was really high on my list of goals!!)
   I will also add that I started exercising too, as I got a bit lighter and lighter, I added minutes to my walks etc.
  This is a diet and exercise program, so you might as well start practicing, AND accepting this as a lifestyle change. Embrace and practice success, as it is NOT Guaranteed!! The surgery dooes make it all possible, but it is not an easy road.

I agree 100% with Paul regarding exercising and trying to alter eating habits.  The sooner the better on those practices.   My response was solely about chewing practice.    Then again, I've always been a slow eater and a good chewer so never had an issue with it.

T

Thanks for the advice. I too have started some of the post surgery procedures, just not the chewing part.

I don't mind working out. Heck, I am down 18lbs in just 1.5 months.

  You picked an awesome Dr.......Baker is the best, LOVE him.....

I started the chew, chew, chew at least a month before.....You'd be surprised on how hard that is....I realized I was swallowing my food after only a few chews....

But as far as cutting calories and exercing, I think I tried to start that a few months in advance......I had lost 20 pounds in 6 months prior to surgery.....

Good luck, and follow the plan, and you will be successful.....Kelly

I've only met Dr Baker at the introduction meeting and he seemed super nice. I think the chewing part is going to be tough. I am being more mindful when chewing, just not down to applesauce consistency - yet. I still have one more nutritionist appointment, so I am sure he won't be sending out for approval until that appointment is done, which is next week. Do you remember how long it was between Dr Baker getting insurance approval and then when you surgery was? Weeks, months? I'm assuming even if I get approval say be November, surgery probably won't be until Jan or Feb - but I am just guessing.  Thank you!

MINDFUL is the best word you used in your last reply!!! That has been the key to all of my changes since before surgery. All seems like so much work at first but then becomes easier as time goes on. But even at 8 months out, I can screw up when eating with others and not payinng attention to the chewing!!!
Linda