Disappointed and Pre-op Diet

I finally decided to check out a support group here in Durham tonight. I'd been getting reminders for several months from the Yahoo group. It's a group that supposedly meets in the Durham Regional cafeteria. Well my husband and I went at 5:30 tonight and NO ONE WAS THERE! It was very disappointing. I think I will try another one somewhere else. It is very hard for me to get out and meet people, I'm naturally shy, so to do this was a big step.

Also, I'm having my surgery on April 5th at Durham Regional. I have pre-op appointments on the 29th and 30th, but have heard nothing about a pre-op diet. Anyone do their surgery though Duke that knows anything about their pre-op diet? Also, how long were you in the hospital if you had RNY?

I'm so sorry to hear that you weren't able to attend the meeting. They have moved the meetings to the conference room at the DukeWLS office on Crutchfield. I really hope that you will try again. I also hope that you might try coming to some of the ones that I host in Raleigh. You can get information about upcoming meetings at http://www.meetup.com/nc-wls.

Not everyone that uses Duke has to do a pre-op diet. I didn't and neither did my husband. If they feel that you are doing fairly well and expect that your liver is in pretty good shape they may not want you to do anything unusual. You will likely do a bowel cleanse with Citrate of Magnesium after a day of fasting the day before surgery, but that is probably it.

I really do look forward to meeting you soon.

 Hey Gurl!
So sorry that happened to you!  Barbara (the above poster) is the group leader of the group I was telling you about..  The meet up is on the 17th. Since my surgery is on the 22nd,  I can go!  Hope to see you there... you may be feeling well enough to come! If not, hopefully you can come in May!  

Smooches!

Saw you lost 9 pounds, You go girl. Congratulations!!!!!!! Do you think big ben is guilty? ha ha

Thanks for the Love!  I can't wait to see what I will loose when I really "try"! As for Big Ben... All is fair in Love and Football...

I had my surgery through Duke and was given permission to lose 10-15pounds. My BMI was only 40.8 so he did not want me to lose to much lol. I got a personal trainer and ate better, not great. I did lose 16 pounds pre-op and he was very happy. I do not think they make you do any spicific diet. I did hear the Duke support group moved to a new location, but I  do not know where? sorry. Like lady Steeler said, come join us in Raleigh. Last week was my first time and it was great to meet all the people and talk about things that are helpful in this journey.
Hope to see you in Raleigh,
Audra

I had my RNY last week at Durham Regional.  All I was told was to not fall into the "last supper" syndrome where you go crazy trying to eat everything you think you'll never eat again.  The day before surgery, all I was allowed to "eat" were clear liquids - including chicken broth and sugar free jello.  That's it.

I'm almost a week out from my surgery, and aside from trying to find alternatives to protein shakes, I am feeling well!

Don't give up. You will find that a support group will be the and best tool next to your surgery to help you along your journey.

I had my surgery at Duke with Dr Pryor. Great lady and I have no complaints about her. She tells me I was her first wls patient where she did not use drains. She even played music in the operating room.

Back to support. I never attended the meeting at Durham regional as it just seemed a bit far away.  I attend the group that Barb leads. You will find many folks ready to welcome you. I am naturally shy too (everyone stop laughing) ok I am an introvert who acts more like an extrovert. Our group will make it easy for you to share and make some new friends when you are ready.
 
We are non-confrontational, we do not judge, and everyone has something to offer, even if it just a hug. We have folks at various stages pre and post op so there is a wealth of experiences in the room that you can learn something to help you.

Pre-op I was not given a specific diet. I was asked not to gain any more weight and was told to cut back on high fat foods to help. The day before I do remember being all liquid including that lovely 10oz bottle of green laxative!

At my preop appointment I asked what would make them not do the surgery. Dr Pryor said as long as my liver was not in some dangerously unhealthy state, she was proceeding. We also agreed to remove my gallbladder at the same time. My ultrasound detected gallstones and although I had no clue I had them and they did not bother me, she said the surgery sometimes cause flare ups so she took the safe road. I was glad cause that month before my surgery (Duke used to have a chat board like this on their website) several folks (I mean 20+) were reporting having to go back after surgery to have their gallbladders removed. I was like you get one shot! No do overs!

I had RNY Wed afternoon and was on my way home Friday morning. Keep sharing here and hope to meet you soon!

Thanks everyone! You've been really helpful and hopefully I'll be able to come to the one in Raleigh next month. I'm getting a little nervous and may have gained a few pounds over the last several weeks (you know, emotional eating :( ) But hopefully everything will proceed well. I appreciate your support and comments.

 I had my RNY at Durham Regional on 3/11/10.  I didn't have a pre-op diet requirement.  At the pre-op appt they did make some recommendations about cutting out fatty foods and white carbs.  I did that for the week before the surgery.  I was only in the hospital about 36 hours.  I had surgery on Thursday and left Friday evening.  I started walking as soon as I got to the room.  I walked about 4 times that night (several laps around the hall).  and  some more the next day.  The walking help me a lot with the gas.  The nurses at the hospital were wonderful.

Wishing you a good experience.