Pre-Op Bingeing...

Did you or didn't you? Why or why not?                                                                                                                      Before actively persuing WLS I just gave up on all diets in general. Just fed up (literally) with the yo-yoing for the past 25+ years. I just said the heck with it and ate what ever, when ever. Kind of a who cares attitude, you know? My younger daughter even told me she likes me fat because I'm 'comfortable'!                                                                                                                                                NOW...I find myself watching every little thing I put in my mouth. I'm a night time sweet eater. I like licorice, chocolate and icecream. I am trying to control it but I can't seem to get myself out of it. I have even gained a couple pounds! What is/was your pre-op experience with this? How did it change after surgery? Thanks for your time! Jules

hi jules, i think that if you find something that you really like to do at the times that you eat will help control that and i find that with the support of everyone including this support group here on the website. i went to the psch eval yesterday and she told me that she thinks that i am going to struggle with the eating problem i have because she feels that i emotinally eat and that it will still be there for me. she also suggested that she a therapist after surgery. which i do not have a problem with that and i told her. my insurance will cover this so why not, right if i really need it. good luck on all the last of the appts. i only have two left. debbie

Hi Deb, Thanks for your reply. I know this is somewhat personal. And frankly, for me a bit embarrassing. So I figured anyone can PM me if they want. I don't know what kind of eater I am. I mean, I just plain eat and eat and eat. I think I'm one of those people who will mourn food. Soooo, I have a plan! I love to needlepoint so I will keep my hands busy with that while watching tv. I am joining Bally's for their pool (they have a chair to put people with disabilities in and out of the pool). My hubby will be deployed so I will also be writing in a journal every day so he can 'experience' my journey by reading it. I have a lot of support at home, including my wonderful neighbors, so i will be doing a lot of talking. I am hoping (praying) to have my surgery scheduled by late May. I LOVE gardening! I haven't been able to do my OWN gardening for many years so this summer, during the worst part of my journey (as far as eating goes) I will be outside constantly! The support groups are great! Maybe we can have unofficial ones like Angela. Right in my own backyard! Or at Slater Park by the Carousel! Happy Friday! Jules

Hi Jules! I went a little crazy pre-op and successfully gained 20 lbs

When I went in for my 2nd appointment, Dr G was less than thrilled with that and said that she would not do the surgery until I lost the 20 that I had gained. I went on a liquid diet starting Sept 10th, like 23 lbs in 3 weeks, went back for my 2nd (3rd visit) and I scheduled my surgery for Oct 23rd. By the time I had surgery I had lost 44 lbs pre-op and Dr G was so happy!

I am really happy with the way everything happened because I was able to learn the "good eating" habits before surgery so becoming a post-op and having to adapt to the new eating was easy for me.

Hope this helps!

LB

Jules- I have been fighting this too.  Mine has just been focusing on food all the time.  It drives me crazy!!  Luckily I have been able to sort of steer myself away and get lost in something else.  I know you have limited mobility now, so try a craft, play solataire, something else to get your mind off of food.  TV doesn't help at all- all food commercials!!!  And if you are still nutty an hour later after drinking water, etc- try a healthy option.   but on a positive note....I was terrified of my apt today with Dr Roye, as he has a strict policy not to operate if any weight was gained from one apt to the next.  My first apt was the week before Thanksgiving, then I had all the holidays to go through, and not gain weight.  I was really afraid that I may gain.  I got on the scale today- and I was DOWN 10 pounds!!!  This was just by trying to refocus, and switching to just drinking water and crystal light.  Soda- even diet, really messes up your system. ps try Aveda herbal tea- it is a mix of mint and licorice flavors, natuarally decaf, and doesn;t even need a sweetener.  It is incredible iced too!!  feels like cheating- but it is soooo not!

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my post! I am also afraid of gaining more weight after my initial appt with Dr. P. Maybe, subconsiously, I am trying to gain weight before my first appt?  I don't know. I guess I like to pick everything apart piece-by-piece until there are no questions left....I should have been a lawyer! Thanks again! Jules

I swear I was subconsciously sabatouging myself also.  It's like a male teenager and sex- couldn't get the food off my brain.

I didnt binge, but I did have one last hurrah. A night or 2 before my liquid diet started my hubby and I met up with Alexia and Jen and all had margaritas at Chilis. It was so much fun and Alexia and Jen are such sweethearts!  On another note, I dont want to sound like a sourpuss but be careful. Dr Pohl has a policy that you have to lose 10 lbs between your first and surgery, if you gain between appointments, he may very well postpone you and I dont want you to be disappointed.  He wants everyone to show that they can follow the guidelines hes set .

Im and emotional eater too.. and was a closet eater.. in my car..behind the closed door. I still catch myself doing that, but I try not to have junk around. I keep celery and carrots in the house and sometimes sug free candies, popcicles..or other sweet type thngs. I usually only eat soy chips now. So, you can still feel like youre treating..but be smart and healthy about it. Addiction is rough... funny cuz my fiancee is trying to quit smoking..he actually said to me.. you dont know how hard it is! I was like.. WHAT? Do you have any idea how hard it is to not eat junk food? Its everywhere and you have to eat. I just cant stop eatting. He got the point and he is still trying to quit. It will all come together in time..just keep trying is my point! best wishes

After everyone mentioned those soy chips at the WLS mtg, I bought some and I am hooked!  I LUV those things...I eat the Gen Soy brand.  I tried the lightly salted, but now I have the sour cream and onion, and OMG!  They are so good!  They fill me up more than just a potato chip does...I guess it's the protein?  Yummy!  Thanks to all who suggested those babies!