What advice for Pre-Op folks?

Good morning, Last night at the WeightWise support group in Edmond, Dr. Keller asked the graduate/post-op folks what was the one piece of advice they had for us pre-ops.  I'm sure I've seen this kind of thing posted before, and there were certainly some great answers in the group, but I thought it wouldn't hurt to throw it out again... Post-WLS, what is the one thing you really wish someone would have told you beforehand? I'm always on the lookout for the opportunity to learn from someone else's experiences. Thanks, John PS - Ruth, and Crickett - it was nice to get to meet you in person at the support group.  I look forward to seeing you there for a long time.  JB

Yeah!!!  Another male!!  Welcome to the boards John.  I am still in my pre-op stages but I would say that one thing I have already ran into is that no one person knows the EXACT prices for self pay patients.  I am actually cataloging all of my prices so I can have it for the Dr's office for future reference and to have it for these boards in case anyone else comes along self pay I can give them the info.

John; Interestingly enough, for me it was not so much a physical issue, but emotional, and I did not expect that.  It was very tough to disassociate myself from food and the thought that food is no longer part of my circle of friends! Almost feels like I miss an old friend, but if feels great not to be hungry; I am only 2 and 1/2 weeks post op and I am just about never hungry. I am sure with time the emotional aspect of it will get better...for now, when I think of food, I try to do something else. Getting out of the house helps a lot!  Wish you good luck - Anna

I agree with Anna.  I was a stress eater and after surgery when I got stressed I couldn't eat something crunchy to calm myself down like in the past.  If this is something that might affect you, I would be prepared with alternatives.  I am willing to admit that I sat and cried more than once because I couldn't eat my way through stress anymore.  I suppose this could be practiced along with other behaviors. Also, I only had mild moods and grumpiness but my husband who had the bypass 1 month after me had severe grumpiness.  He wasn't even the same kind hearted teddy bear we love.  He was like this for about 5 weeks and it was almost unbearable because we were so spoiled to his loving kind ways.  You might be prepared for this and prepare your loved ones and come up with some strategies to help.  Space and less stress is a big help. Also, on both myself and my husband, we stopped experiencing the pain in the left side for about a week and then twisted or bent and the pain returned for a few days.  I don't know if it was scar tissue or a stitch that hadn't fully disolved but it was odd that we both experienced it.  It's normal so don't panic. Some people cannot move from softs to solids as fast as others.  My husband followed the Dr's schedule but I couldn't do it.  One bite and I was sick.  I progressed much slower.  We are both on solids now and he is one month behind me.  You will hear so many different eating plans especially on OH...just do what works with yourself and your surgeon.   Also, I was only given 4 days off work by my employer.  I was terrified how that was going to work.  The first week back I worked 5 hour days and then I was full time after that.  It wasn't bad.  My husband had 2 weeks off and he seemed to bounce back slower because he wasn't as active as me.  Going back to work kept me moving and I think it helped my healing.  I would have loved more time off but if you are like me and have no choice--it can be done. GOOD LUCK!!! Diana

Hey John.  It was nice to meet you as well!  And thanks for posting!  I think the one thing that no one prepared me for was the mood swings during the hormonal changes.  I felt like I was on a huge roller coaster without any brakes!  Those first few weeks are craziness and when you cannot eat to counter the crazies it is unbearable. Also, your FEET get smaller!  I have lost 1.5 sizes in my feet and had to buy all new shoes!  I expected that with clothes, but NOT shoes! R

Diana   I am glad to hear that I am not the only one that cries because I can't eat.  I just started a pre op diet and have already been crying.  I can't even picture what it is going to be like after surgery.  I just hope that I get over it quick.   Heather

I too was not prepared for just how much the emotions would hit me...I really had no idea how dependant I was on food.  My advice is face it as it arises, when it arises and deal with it at that time.  No fear, don't worry about it, just tackle whatever it is head on.  Get help if you need to-with a counselor who specializes in weight loss issues/weight loss surgery patients.

Hello there!  I am about six months out now from my surgery.  I think the best advise I could give is follow exactly what your Dr. says to do.  I did exactly, and have been blessed with NO problems and about 130 lb. weight loss so far.  I make sure I make my protein shakes my meals first, and then eat about every two hours.  Like I will have a protein shake in the am, take vitamin, (Optisource from Walgreens are awesome, chewable, and only four a day!), then around 10ish I will have a yogurt, or half a Flatout bread with some turkey and cheese, then lunch protein bar or shake, 2ish I have another snack maybe cottage cheese or some Progresso Light Soup with lowfat Triscuits, and Protein shake and salad at dinner.  It has been working for me really well.  I drink LOTS of water too.  I find I feel alot better eating small frequently.  I also lift weights every am and walk about three to five miles a day on my treadmill.  Just walk and watch tv instead of sit and watch tv lol.  Anyway, I hope I helped.  GOOD LUCK and you will be sooooo happy you did this! 

Hey John, It was nice to meet you as well.

1. Sip sip sip all day long.

2. Find something new to do with your head, brain, and mouth.

3. Be kind to yourself especially the first couple of weeks.

4. Dont' eat too fast or too much.

5. Keep a food journal. It really helps. Make s you think twice before you eat something else.

6.  Eat your protein first.

7.  Take your pain medication before the pain gets out of control.

8.   Measure and take before and after pictures.

9.   Be compliant to your Dr. and nuts rules.

10.  Don't ever take that first bite of forbidden food.

And don't hesitate to ask any of us if you have questions.   

Hi John.  Welcome to Weight Wise.  Do you attend HPC in Edmond?  If so, I think I know who you are now.   As a pre-op person it is was very important for me to get my mind set before surgery that I was not going to be able to eat food for awhile.  I've now been on liquids for the second week and have one more to go.  It hasn't been that bad, but it is a new way of eating/drinking.  I can now tell when I'm getting to the place I've had enough because I burp three times - weird right?  Anyway, if you are the one I'm thinking of catch me at church and I will tell you anything that I can.  If not, then stay glued to this web site and you will learn a lot, but keep in mind that different dr's require different things and it is best to do what you dr and nut tell you do do.