Getting Going .. best advice?

I have a question .... I am waiting on a referral to both a surgeon and dietician. In reading many of the posts of people's experiences - I am thinking I may have to lose weight before the procedure .... Any advice as to what to do? Guidelines? Plan? Will a regular dietician be able to develop something for me? Not sure how long the referrals will take .. so while I am really motivated ... and before the Christmas seasonal stuff starts .. I want to get myself really going! Thanks~ Jackie

Hi Jackie! Best of luck with your referrals and such. I am scheduled to have LapBand surgery next Thursday, November 8th in Mexico. I have been on the Dr. Atkins diet for the past week (induction phase-for 2 weeks) I have lost 10 pounds so far and it is really easy to stick to. I am doing it because I have to shrink my liver before surgery (easier for the surgeon to do his job). When I return from Mexico I plan on staying on the Atkins diet to help with the weight loss. I find it really easy and quite effective. I hope I have answered your question. But if not - good luck in your quest for more information. Elaine

Elaine, Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Wow next week and Mexico ... I hope all goes well for you! That step seems so far away for me right now .. but I do want to start ..even if it is just preparing myself for best outcome possible. Please let me know how your procedure goes .. and how you find the pre op experience. Best wishes Jackie

Hi Elaine Just wanted to wish you all the best next week I Know you will be so happy when it is all done & over with. On the night before surgery Dr. Kuri will suggest you go out & eat what ever you want, ask him where the seafood place is. It is quite a hike up a steep hill from the hospital but it is so worth it. They have everything there not just seafood & it is a family setting. If you hubby is going with you let him know the food in the hotel is good as well & reasonable, that's where my husband ate. We wish you all the best & enjoy the trip. If you get a chance during the day catch a cab & go to Revolution Ave. That is where all the bartering(spelling) goes on & you can get some super deals..Enjoy! Keep in touch. Penny

Hi Jackie, What kind of surgery are you having? What are your stats? Where are you referred to? I can tell you that any doctor that is any good is going to tell you to loose weight because the less you weigh before surgery, the healthier you will be and less risk you are during surgery for complications and some people have a 'fattier' liver and loosing just 10% of your weight will help this significantly. Plus, the lower your weight is to start, the less you have to do after and the greater your sucess because these surgeries are only tools and most people loose 50-80% of their excess weight. My dietician and team had very strict plans. I had to follow the Canada food guide and keep daily journals and wear a pedomoeter and aim for 10,000 steps a day. I lost 40 pounds in 4 months. I was really motivated because i wanted this surgery bad! Hope this helps, let me know if I can be of further assistance! Tanya

Hi Tanya! Thanks for the advice .... I have just had a consult with my family doctor .. so I am waiting to hear now who I will be working with .. she mentioned a couple of names .. but nothing is set ..... yet. I am thinking I will likely have the bypass surgery .. from what I have read (pending what the surgeon feels is best). I have read that many are asked to lose weight prior to surgery ... as you said for better results and less risk. Sounds like you have done very well at your goals thus far. I was reading about some diferent formula's (diet plans) so I was just curious what people were doing here to get ready. Please keep in touch! Jackie