One month away!

I'm exactly one month away from surgery! It STILL has not set in yet that in a month's time my life will be forever changed. I'm excited, nervous, curious as to how I'm going to feel during this part of the journey and obviously anxious to see the weight start coming off. I have my second nutrition class next week, so I know I will get some tips there, but I wanted to ask you guys who have been through it first hand--how should I start preparing? I have heard so many people say not to stock up on food because my taste may change. The thought of not being prepared sounds like a set up for failure though, so does anyone have any tips for me? I have learned so much from this site, I don't think I would feel as confident and ready for this had I not had this resource for the last 6 months. Very thankful for all your input and for sharing your stories and experiences, good or bad!

RNY on 06/05/17

Congratulations on surgery being so close away! That's super exciting.

I have not had my surgery yet, but what you are saying about not stocking up echoes a conversation I had earlier today with a friend who is about a month out from RNY. She's doing great, but her taste buds changed a lot, and everything she stocked up on, she cannot bear to consume.

Good luck!!

if I had to do it all over I'd just buy protein shakes and that's it. I wouldnt buy anything else in bulk. good luck!

Congratulations on your surgery date. I would use the month to get off caffeine and soda drinks. I would also try to eat only protein with a daily dose of non-starchy vegetables. Your body will be healing after surgery. You don't want to add another new chore to your tired body. It takes about a week to get used to burning fat for fuel. It will make you tired, even more tired than the surgery.

I would also practice not drinking with meals. Not having liquids for 30-60 min after food (whatever your center dictates).

It is hard to lose the last 20-50 pounds. If you use this month, you will probably lose 10 pounds.

I am so excited for you, my life has changed so much and your life will change for the better.

These are great tips, thank you! I have been going a little crazy with the food funerals lately knowing I won't be able to eat most of my favorite foods after surgery. I know I need to stop though, as that's only going to make recovery more difficult, both physically and mentally. I just can't wait to have this amazing tool to help me do what I've wanted to do for so long which is to lose weight and gain energy! Thank you again for your input!

Dear LynnAlex - thank you for your message. Thanks for the push to get off of coffee before surgery. And the advise about not drinking with meals. Martha

Congratulations on getting your surgery date! I just got my paperwork filed into the system. So I am in the waiting game here.

I don't have a huge amount to contribute as yet. Friends who are well out of the surgery here have advised me not to stock up too much with anything due to the taste change thing.

cheers!

I think the only safe items are:

protien shakes

jello (sugar free crystals)

jello (sugar or fat free puddings)

unflavoured protein

skim milk powder

small dishes (serving size that are fridge and microwaveable)

small spoons

fat free soups in cans

bone broth

refried beans

sugar free syrup

decaf tea

Other

Vitamins - do your research with these and discuss with nut for carbs and sugars

scale - kitchen and weight

apps - like bariatastic to start getting used to the process of logging food and water and timing eating

fitbit - to track steps and route your recovery walks

source - some recipes that appear to have worked for others ie: the world according to egg face is a good start

form a support network for yourself and start working on your head hunger strategies

Wow--this is awesome stuff, I'm screenshotting so I can look back for reference. Thanks a ton!

Thank you for this concise information. Was there anything that really surprised you about this procedure. How are you feeling in general? Thanks, Martha