Three Days and Starting to Freeze
I am three days away. Wednesday is the day. I am starting to panic. I can barely do the liquid diet, it is so restrictive. Is this the rest of my life? Is there any hope to eat any type of normal food , just in restricted portions? I am so afraid something is going to go wrong in surgery. I was excited on Friday, and now I am nervous as the last chicken and the fox is here.
I read and read all of your posts and try to imagine a life not held captive by food. It is so hard. Make me believe oh wonderful angels. Sing to me and I will listen.
I read and read all of your posts and try to imagine a life not held captive by food. It is so hard. Make me believe oh wonderful angels. Sing to me and I will listen.
"any type of normal food" well - to a degree. You will be restricted on fat and sugar. And trust me - you do NOT want to find out if you dump. For a few reasons. One, if you do, you'll be miserable for hours. And B, if you do NOT dump - there goes that mental game and being able to eat things we shouldn't be eating anyway. So...pot calling the kettle black here, don't try sugar. I have. Have I dumped? Yes. Have there been times I haven't dumped? Yes. Both scary.
That being said - as shown by Liz's growing in popularity cooking support class - there are variations on almost every food out there that is safe for us. You will learn.
And the bizarrest thing? Most times - with the exception of head hunger - you will not even want the same food you want now. You will be so used to eating better that you will notice you CRAVE healthier foods. You will notice how much better you feel. You will notice how much you love the changes.
I won't sugar coat it and tell you this journey is not full of pot holes and there aren't times when all of us struggle. But that's the wonder of this thing called OH and the pa forum. We are here for celebration of good times - and more importantly - support in harder times.
I'm over a year out. I am at "goal" weight. My blood pressure is normal. My blood sugar is normal. My sleep apnea is gone. My heart rate is normal. I can work a 12 hour shift and have energy left at the end of it to go to the gym and then come home and make dinner and what not. I am not lying around all day watching life pass me by.
Your fears are so understandbly normal. And you will probably fluctuate between nervous and excitement multiple times. Sr. Jan calls this "nervouscitement" I believe (or something to that effect)
Dennis said something once that I have repeated probably a million times because I believe it. He said "Remember you made this decision when you were sane. When your emotions hadn't taken a hold of you. When you knew what you needed to do in order to live your life. You knew the facts and you knew what was right"
You'll be fine - and we are sliding over to make room on the bench.
Pam
That being said - as shown by Liz's growing in popularity cooking support class - there are variations on almost every food out there that is safe for us. You will learn.
And the bizarrest thing? Most times - with the exception of head hunger - you will not even want the same food you want now. You will be so used to eating better that you will notice you CRAVE healthier foods. You will notice how much better you feel. You will notice how much you love the changes.
I won't sugar coat it and tell you this journey is not full of pot holes and there aren't times when all of us struggle. But that's the wonder of this thing called OH and the pa forum. We are here for celebration of good times - and more importantly - support in harder times.
I'm over a year out. I am at "goal" weight. My blood pressure is normal. My blood sugar is normal. My sleep apnea is gone. My heart rate is normal. I can work a 12 hour shift and have energy left at the end of it to go to the gym and then come home and make dinner and what not. I am not lying around all day watching life pass me by.
Your fears are so understandbly normal. And you will probably fluctuate between nervous and excitement multiple times. Sr. Jan calls this "nervouscitement" I believe (or something to that effect)
Dennis said something once that I have repeated probably a million times because I believe it. He said "Remember you made this decision when you were sane. When your emotions hadn't taken a hold of you. When you knew what you needed to do in order to live your life. You knew the facts and you knew what was right"
You'll be fine - and we are sliding over to make room on the bench.
Pam
Instead of complaining that the rosebush has thorns, be happy that the thorn bush has roses. 
You're going to be dealing with a very, very restrictive diet for a period of 12-18 months. Some people NEVER eat sugars or fatty foods ever again. But if I were you, I would plan on staying active with a support group, and perhaps be repared to see a therapist, because you're going to have to COMPLETELY change your relationship with food. There's no phoning it in or half-assing it from this point.
You're at ground zero. You let yourself get to a point where you required surgical intervention to help you get back to a healthy state. A poor relationship with food with comprimize your efforts.
It's ok to be nervous. It's quite normal.
Maybe it's not the swetest song to hear, but it's the truth.
But all that said- it's going to be great. If you put in the effort, you can make an exciting new life for yourself.
You're at ground zero. You let yourself get to a point where you required surgical intervention to help you get back to a healthy state. A poor relationship with food with comprimize your efforts.
It's ok to be nervous. It's quite normal.
Maybe it's not the swetest song to hear, but it's the truth.
But all that said- it's going to be great. If you put in the effort, you can make an exciting new life for yourself.
I could've written your post just a few short months ago! Your thinking seems very normal... it would kinda be ABnormal NOT to be feeling this way. Anyway, yes, the pre-op liquid diet SUCKS. And then what's weird, is right after surgery, you have to force yourself just to get enough of that same liquid diet in!
But it all gradually normalizes... and as you progress through the diet stages, it is gradual enough to get you into a groove, and basically, a new way of life. Things have not been nearly as restrictive and torturous (is that a word?) as I had envisioned it (or, maybe the way it has been for others?).
However, I should add that I have messed up in most people's eyes... pushed my envelope and have eaten things I'm not supposed to, but for me, it's a personal growth experience, and I'm learning that those few moments of 'yum' on my tongue, aren't worth all the work I've put into getting and recovering from the WLS, and the nice 'wow' moments and compliments received (or walking long distances with my kids, or, or, or...).
I tried to prepare for this pre-surg. (the temptations, and head hunger thing), but nothing can fully prepare you for the diet/physical changes AS WELL AS the emotional changes that just do not change like a light switch. Support is a biggie... find it, and use it. But naaa, it's NOT as crazy awful as you are probably picturing it. At least that has been my blessing of an experience anyway! :)
Take care, God bless... and whatever decision you go with, is probbaly the one you were MEANT to go with.
~Shannon
But it all gradually normalizes... and as you progress through the diet stages, it is gradual enough to get you into a groove, and basically, a new way of life. Things have not been nearly as restrictive and torturous (is that a word?) as I had envisioned it (or, maybe the way it has been for others?).
However, I should add that I have messed up in most people's eyes... pushed my envelope and have eaten things I'm not supposed to, but for me, it's a personal growth experience, and I'm learning that those few moments of 'yum' on my tongue, aren't worth all the work I've put into getting and recovering from the WLS, and the nice 'wow' moments and compliments received (or walking long distances with my kids, or, or, or...).
I tried to prepare for this pre-surg. (the temptations, and head hunger thing), but nothing can fully prepare you for the diet/physical changes AS WELL AS the emotional changes that just do not change like a light switch. Support is a biggie... find it, and use it. But naaa, it's NOT as crazy awful as you are probably picturing it. At least that has been my blessing of an experience anyway! :)
Take care, God bless... and whatever decision you go with, is probbaly the one you were MEANT to go with.
~Shannon
"If you want something bad enough, you'll find it.
If you don't, you'll find excuses."
You're going to be fine - first and foremost. Dr Boe is an excellent surgeon and Barix is a wonderful place, full of caring people who do this and only this type of surgery. They are preparing your body for the surgery with the liquid diet - no, its not easy - especially when you know you can still eat 'normally', but trust me it will be worth it.
You're going to find a new 'normal' for you -- it won't be like anybody elses - and if you really wanted to continue eating the way you had/have been you wouldn't have taken this step to have the surgery to help you on to a much better life.
When you come out of surgery you aren't going to want to eat for a very long time - unless its head hunger, which can feel very real, but once you actually think of putting that food into your mouth the head hunger will go away!
If you follow Dr Boe and the nutritionists' plan for you you're going to do just fine. The first few months are the most difficult - foamies, dumping (even by accident), and struggling to get those proteins in, but you will get there and you will feel so much better for it. It can be very frustrating at times, but this will be your new normal and the most difficult thing may be the people around you getting used to it.
Hang in there - we all got a good case of nerves right before surgery - its surgery - its scary - but it will also save and change your life for the better.
Kathy
You're going to find a new 'normal' for you -- it won't be like anybody elses - and if you really wanted to continue eating the way you had/have been you wouldn't have taken this step to have the surgery to help you on to a much better life.
When you come out of surgery you aren't going to want to eat for a very long time - unless its head hunger, which can feel very real, but once you actually think of putting that food into your mouth the head hunger will go away!
If you follow Dr Boe and the nutritionists' plan for you you're going to do just fine. The first few months are the most difficult - foamies, dumping (even by accident), and struggling to get those proteins in, but you will get there and you will feel so much better for it. It can be very frustrating at times, but this will be your new normal and the most difficult thing may be the people around you getting used to it.
Hang in there - we all got a good case of nerves right before surgery - its surgery - its scary - but it will also save and change your life for the better.
Kathy
'One shoe can change your life'...Cinderella
Just want to say that you are in the "normal" area questioning what you are about to do and being scared and excited are part of the process in the final days leading up to this journey and no matter how much you think you are prepared, it is still a process as individual as you are, so have faith that so many people have gone before you with excellent results, you are in the wonderful, capable hands of a skilled bariatric surgeon and the place you are having your procedure is top notch.
As for post-surgical life, as many have expressed, the weeks and initial months after surgery are filled with learning how to live this new life and for the best possible results, you would do well to follow your surgeon and NUTs instructions. Even doing that you will probably experience some of the fun things mentioned such as foamies, dumping and finding out which foods your new stoma likes and doesn't like. I'm coming up on 13 months out now and I learned rather quickly what I can and cannot eat and even when I had my less than best experiences, it was not so bad, it quickly taught me what I need to do and I have no regrets other than the fact that I tested waters that taught me I can get away with some things that I wish I never knew, however, most of the time I chose to do what I had this surgery for in the first place, making healthy choices, whi*****ludes, protein, water, exercise and vitamins, journaling my food intake and participating in support groups to help keep me on the right track, because the road can get wider with time and I fear the possibility of ever going back to the life I used live pre-op. Today I live life, not endure it and I hope one year from now, you will read someone's post on here and be offering them the same such information!
Best of luck on Wednesday!
Prayers and positive healing thoughts going out to you! Laureen
As for post-surgical life, as many have expressed, the weeks and initial months after surgery are filled with learning how to live this new life and for the best possible results, you would do well to follow your surgeon and NUTs instructions. Even doing that you will probably experience some of the fun things mentioned such as foamies, dumping and finding out which foods your new stoma likes and doesn't like. I'm coming up on 13 months out now and I learned rather quickly what I can and cannot eat and even when I had my less than best experiences, it was not so bad, it quickly taught me what I need to do and I have no regrets other than the fact that I tested waters that taught me I can get away with some things that I wish I never knew, however, most of the time I chose to do what I had this surgery for in the first place, making healthy choices, whi*****ludes, protein, water, exercise and vitamins, journaling my food intake and participating in support groups to help keep me on the right track, because the road can get wider with time and I fear the possibility of ever going back to the life I used live pre-op. Today I live life, not endure it and I hope one year from now, you will read someone's post on here and be offering them the same such information!
Best of luck on Wednesday!
Prayers and positive healing thoughts going out to you! 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
Hi there.
I am 1 week out of surgery.
The pre-op diet was horrid. I am on full liquids now. I am anxiously awaiting the pureed. I find the hardest thing for me is not chewing. I'm use to eating when we socialize with friends. Not because I was always hungry but because that is what we DID.
I can say that liquids and protein shakes fill you very quick, I have not experienced the not wanting to eat . I know the head is playing games with me right now, telling me I'm hungry. I am sure If I couldeat somthing, I wouldnt be able to get in a bite. Its not hunger. Its the thought of chewing.
Be prepared.
I was very nervous, up to the OR Room. All of a sudden I knew I was there for the right reasons and I am determined to make this work. My journey has begun. I wouldn't change it. I have to take one day at a time. No regrets.
JoAnn
I am 1 week out of surgery.
The pre-op diet was horrid. I am on full liquids now. I am anxiously awaiting the pureed. I find the hardest thing for me is not chewing. I'm use to eating when we socialize with friends. Not because I was always hungry but because that is what we DID.
I can say that liquids and protein shakes fill you very quick, I have not experienced the not wanting to eat . I know the head is playing games with me right now, telling me I'm hungry. I am sure If I couldeat somthing, I wouldnt be able to get in a bite. Its not hunger. Its the thought of chewing.
Be prepared.
I was very nervous, up to the OR Room. All of a sudden I knew I was there for the right reasons and I am determined to make this work. My journey has begun. I wouldn't change it. I have to take one day at a time. No regrets.
JoAnn
JoAnn
Hi JoAnn,
I had my surgery 2 days after you and I'm on the clear liquid. Wednesday I'm going to full liquid and I can't wait. I do miss chewing....its weird. I've caught myself trying to chew the jello LOL.
The weight from the IV's has finally come off and I'm seeing the scale move. It's worth every second of aggrivation.
Diane
I had my surgery 2 days after you and I'm on the clear liquid. Wednesday I'm going to full liquid and I can't wait. I do miss chewing....its weird. I've caught myself trying to chew the jello LOL.
The weight from the IV's has finally come off and I'm seeing the scale move. It's worth every second of aggrivation.
Diane
Hi Diane,
I gained over 12 lbs from the fluids. That is just about gone. I am afraid to get on the scale. I got on it Saturday and was disappointed that I still hadnt lost the whole 12 lbs. I think I am going to start drinking the isopure. o calories and 42 gr protein.
I am on full liquids and go to pureed on Wednesday.
JoAnn
I gained over 12 lbs from the fluids. That is just about gone. I am afraid to get on the scale. I got on it Saturday and was disappointed that I still hadnt lost the whole 12 lbs. I think I am going to start drinking the isopure. o calories and 42 gr protein.
I am on full liquids and go to pureed on Wednesday.
JoAnn
JoAnn
Hi JoAnn,
I gained about 7lbs from my hospital stay. Last night I knew I was getting rid of the fluid because it was like niagra falls when I pee'd last night. Happened several times. I lost that plus an extra 4 lbs.
I've never seen isopure. I drink myoplex lite. I'm looking forward to having one when I go on full liquids on Wednesday. Thank God tomorrow is my last day on clear liquids.
Diane
I gained about 7lbs from my hospital stay. Last night I knew I was getting rid of the fluid because it was like niagra falls when I pee'd last night. Happened several times. I lost that plus an extra 4 lbs.
I've never seen isopure. I drink myoplex lite. I'm looking forward to having one when I go on full liquids on Wednesday. Thank God tomorrow is my last day on clear liquids.
Diane
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