Looking for help--Surgery June 8, 2009

Hi all,
I am looking for someone or some people to take me through this.  I am a bit nervous as I should be, and am not quite sure what to do next.  I would love to have a buddy to be with, to chat with and I would love to be a part of this group.  Worried about the two week before diet -- not so much after, because I think that might be a bit easier, but the before has me concerned.  Any suggestions would be very helpful.  I am not even sure how to use this site properly.
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What is your two week pre-op diet like? The nutritionist at PRH really helped me get on a good weight loss food plan prior to surgery. Then the day prior was clear liquids. Lots of sugar free jello and crystal light drinks and water. Where are you having your surgery?

 The pre-op is liquids, which really scares me a bit, not sure if I can do it, even if for only two weeks.  The after surgery one is the same, however I think I would be able to handle that much better.  I am not sure why things are different from place to place.....I think as long as I lose more weight, it would be fine, but, I will check this out.

I am having trouble with the liquid diet, what was yours like?  What is it that they need to do, to shrink the liver by less calories, ???

Hi,

First, stick with our little NH group.  We seem to really click together, and support each other.  You are welcome into this group by simply signing in.  I believe, given the 2 week liquid diet, that you are having your surgery at either Dartmouth or CMC.  I had mine in Portsmouth so we were only required to do one day of clear liquids.  I know that several people on this board have gone through this and I also know that they will chime in. 

Second, you are using this site for exactly what it is to be used for.  Questions, answers, support, vent, celebrate...whatever. 

I really can't answer your question except to tell you that you need to keep your protein up, but for the remainder, I am going to defer to others who have been through it.

Welcome....and don't be shy. 

 Gee, I am wondering now why we have to do the two weeks?  Yes, Dr. Gould out of Dartmouth is my doctor and I am having it done at the Elliot.  I was very concerned about the two weeks before, so i will have to talk to him or the nurses very soon.
Thank you for your help.  I wll be back and forth checking in and doing what I can.  How was the pain after surgery?

Hi there.   I had my RNY at Elliot with Dr. Gould.  Every program has different requirements for the surgery.  DHMC has a 2 week pre-op diet and I will tell you right now, it is not easy.  You just have to do it and after the surgery you'll be glad you did.  You can lose a lot of weight on it.  I lost about 13lbs.  That was a good head start on my weight loss.  Doing this diet will help you keep your commitment to follow good, healthy choices after surgery as well as help shrink your liver to make it easier for the Dr. to navigate inside your body. 

The pain for me after my gastric bypass wasn't too bad.  I felt more pain on my left side, but if you take pain meds, it's not bad at all.  I'm not sure of the pain for Lap Band.

Good luck with everything and come back here if you have any questions.

Lisa

Very manageble.  I was only on pain meds for 2 days, then tylenol.  I was back to work in a week, but could have gone back sooner.

I just started my two week diet before surgery. i lost 7 lbs since yesterday. I really did. The protein must make me pee alot. Thats all i did yesterday was pee. It isn't too bad right now. I know I will be doing this liquid thing for sometime now because of the liquids that i will be on for a while after surgery. I have to look at it this way. I have gone through all of the appointments and losing the 10 lbs plus. I don't want to look back now. I've come to far now. Just take it one day at a time instead of looking at the two week stretch.

I'm so excited about my surgery. I'm only worried about them cancelling it because of emergency surgeries. I'm holding my breath on that.

Congrats~!  And don't worry about after the surgery.  You won't be hungry so it won't feel as bad as these 2 weeks!  You have the rigt attitude!  Let us know how everything turns out!

Lisa