New and Scared as the Dickens
Keri
Keri
Hi,
Welcome to the PA Forum, there are many Barix patients who have had Dr. Boe as their surgeon and I am sure you will be happy with your choice. Being nervous is a very big part of this, but you've landed in the right place to get support, Barix also has a site where you can meet up with other people who've had their experiences there, however, there are a good many of us on this forum who have Barix experiences and Barix, if you asked any of us, is the Number 1 place to go for Bariatric surgery. They also have good support for pre and post ops, so take advantage of that aspect too! Support is a key component to having people who understand the ups and downs of this way of life, while family and friends can be of help, no one quite understands the enormity of what we experience as we morph into our new bodies.
As it is, you are lucky, because starting November 1, there will now be more support than ever before. On Saturday, November 1, we begin an exciting new support group, which is being done due to popular demand, at this point, we believe it will be broken down into several smaller groups for a period of time, such as pre-ops, early post-ops (0-6 mths), 6-12 mths and then over a year, a men's group has been discussed, as well as lap banders and so on, hopefully something that everyone can benefit from. The meeting will begin at 12 noon and go, at least initially, until 4 p.m., then, of course, there are the night groups, pre-op the 2nd Tuesday of every month and a post-op group that meets the 3rd Wednesday of every month, those meetings start at 7 p.m. and generally run 1.5 hours with topics and discussions that relate to our struggles and our triumphs. So if you can, get to one of those before your surgery date.
Again, welcome and you are in good hands!
Laureen
My Mantra is that I do not determine my success by the number hanging in my closet, nor will I let the scale determine that success either. . . It is through trial and error I will continue to grow and succeed. . . Laureen
"Success is a journey, not a destination." Ben Sweetland
As far as the liquid diet goes - as a lot of people will tell you - the first few days are hell but you will get through it one day and sometimes one hour at a time.
For having stuff at home - don't stock up on a lot of anything. Even if you like it pre surgery or right after surgery you might hate it a day or two later! You will definately want to have things like sf ice pops, broth, milk, and various protein powders on hand. I normally reccommend getting sample packets of the protein powder to use to see if you like it after surgery so you are not wasting money. Go around and ask if places have them (GNC I believe does) and go online to see if websites have sample packets.
You'll be nervous and excited all in one - and that's to be expected - but you'll do fine!! Keep close to these boards - they are wealth of info!
Pam
I did not have Dr. Boe, but I sure hear great things about him. I do know that you are in terrific hands with Barix. You will be well taken care of, and will want for nothing.
As for groceries to keep to prepare for post-op, broth, sugar free ice pops and fudgecicles, sugar free yogurt (I use Dannon Lite and Fit), sugar free pudding. You will probably be using a lot of that pre-op. Not sure though, as I did not have to do the liquid diet pre-op.
As for protein powders, I only use AnyWhey, which is sold at Barix. It is flavorless, and the Barix Bible, which you will receive at your pre-admission testing, has recipes for protein shakes using it.
I also bought a lot of Isopure protein drinks at GNC for my liquid phase, as it has 45 grams of protein in one bottle. I only liked the Grape Frost flavor, as it tasted like grape Kool-Aid.
Feel free to ask questions and share your fears and frustrations. We have all felt as you do, and wondered how we were going to get through certain stages of this journey.
Hugs,
Trish
Albert Schweitzer
