Help---I need to loose 15 pounds before surgery

Hello Everyone, I just got reconnected with O.H. and I am trying to seek your help.  I finally am getting closer to a point where I might be approved for surgery by my insurance.  However, I need to loose about 15 pounds before that can happen.  As we all know loosing weight is hard.  Is there anyone else out there that had to loose weight before they could have the surgery and if so how did you accompli****  I have been eliminating some things from my diet and I am drinking more water.  I try to walk every day, even if it is just for a little while.  Any tips are welcome.  Anything at all, food tips, excercise tips, weight loss drinks you may have used just to get to the goal, anything.  I need to do this now and I am getting discouraged.  Thanks for reading and thanks for your help. Kristy H.

Hi Kristy - welcome to OH!  We're glad you're here.  Did Dr. Patterson not have you meet with a nutritionist?  This was one of the first things we did at OHSU.  I was given a 1200 calorie per day diet.  Eliminate sugar and white flours from your diet.  Try to eat mostly protein and fresh fruits and vegetables.  If you use a free program like fitday.com, you can monitor your caloric intake. Best of luck to you.  This is an amazing journey and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Linda

Linda,

Thank you for your reply.  I have not met with the nutritionist yet.  My insurance is very particular about when that can happen, end of February.  For now I am working on the insurance requirements until then.  I appreciate your help! 

Kristy

Hello there, I have to say that I suck at dieting so when I had to lose weight before surgery I bought a whole lot of lean cuisine and smart ones meals and pre determined my calories for the day with the boxes and a small salad here and there and that was that......1200 calories a day.  I am not much of a cook so that is what I needed to do....also because I work nights so there is not enough time in the day to cook.  Anyhoo, I lost about 26 pounds in the 8 weeks before surgery and it was virtually painless and I learned what a 1200 calorie looked like.  What I also found is that there was so much variety that I never really got bored with what I was eating.  Good  luck in your journey!

Debra, Thanks so much for letting me know what your weight loss plan was.  I like the idea of variety!  I suck at dieting too, it's nice to hear someone else say it.  Kristy

Welcome, Kristy.  Don't ask me for advice.  I had three months to lose 30 pounds.  I lost ONE!  What I do suggest people try is that they follow the diet plan of the surgery they are having (in other words, live like a _____ before becoming a _______).  This will give you some comfort and control and, most likely, help with some weight loss, too. Walking and getting in water are two incredible helps.  Each one builds on the other and makes you better able to handle surgery. Good luck and DON'T give up! Lori

Lori, I loved your advice.  I think it's a great idea of getting some control now as well as comfort.  Thanks for the support. Kristy

Hi there. Well I also have to loose 15 pounds before I can have surgery and it really stinks lol Ugg. Its really been a struggle for me. I lost all but 1 lb 4 oz and of course it wasn't enough to get even a date and that was right before Christmas. Well stupid me cheated ALOT so now trying to reloose almost all of it. Its so hard to get the pounds off but takes so little to put it back on. Its really frustrating. Sorry I don't have any good advice for you but maybe lots of water, lots of protein and veggies and stay away from pastas, rices, breads, and sweets. Hang in there, we can do this!! Michelle

Hi Michelle, Thanks for posting.  I hope you get down to the weight needed for surgery.  You are so close, you can do this!  I know the pounds are easy to pack on but 5x as hard to loose.  You said it, it stinks. lol.  Have a good weekend. Kristy

Hi Kristy, I have to lose weight before surgery as well.   Dr. Jan gave me a pre-surgical diet to do 1 month before my actual surgery date.  It consist of four categories:  dairy/  non-fat yogurt, cottage cheese and ricotta cheese ONLY,  protein/ tuna in water, chicken and salmon,  fruit/ fresh or canned (natural juices only), vegetables/ any but, starces ie: potatoes, corn, etc.   Then twice a day protein powder mixed with 8 oz. skim milk.  And of course, lot's and lot's of water. It  seems to be working, but as a life long carb lover, it's hard.  I am determined to fight the good fight though, my body just can't take this weight any longer. Good luck to you Kristy.  I hope you find a program that helps you lose those last 15 pounds. :) Nola