I NEED SOME ADVICE

I was wondering , I have not been on a diet since Oct. 1. I go to see my surgeon next week(YEA!) . Should I be watching what I am eating,or just wait till I see Nut. I know I go on a strict diet before surgery. I quit smoking too, so noway could I have done both. Anyway I just DO NOT want to mess this up! Help please?

My doc didn't give specific instructions just high protein, low fat, and low carbs.  Since I did not want to read about any more diets ever again, I just did my best to wing it.  I lost 10 lbs.  That did not include my immediate pre-op eating which was clear liquids for a few days.  Good luck!

Thanks, I am so tired of this diet and that diet. I just figured I would give myself a break. I want this surgery and I am willing to do all the things the nut tells me to. I just needed a break. I figure the doctor can start me when I go.  Thanks again

Ronda,
First Welcome aboard!
As far as dieting Vanderbilt will get you started with what they and/or your insurance provider might require.
So right now you don't need to worry about dieting, not to say if you wanted to that would be OK as well.
I would suggest you work on a couple of the small things, such as stop using straws and cutting out soda's, eating slow and chewing each bite 25-30 times.
This would be a good time to start journaling everything you eat. All these things are what you will be doing post-op, so if you could start now you will be ahead of the game. Good luck and your in great hands with Dr. Richards. C'ya Bob

Thank you Bob, I feel better already. Ronda

Hey Bob,
After you had your first consult visit, did things go pretty fast. I know I have atleast 2 visits with the nut before surgery, and whatever tests they need to run. How long did it take insurance approval for you. I have Anthem BC/BS. Sorry to ask so many questions, i'm just excited!

                                                     Ronda

Hi Ronda, and WELCOME to the Tenn Boards!

As far as "diet" goes, check with the Nut/Dr, I'm sure they will explain everything. I try to not look at what I eat as a diet.  I have always failed when it came to maintaining the regime that a diet encircles.  So, I look at this as a lifestyle. 

A couple of months ago, my family visited some relatives in Ardmore.  Now, there are 3 of us who have had WLS, so of course, my aunts were very concerned about what we could eat.  They kept calling and saying, "What does your diet include?",  "What can we serve that you can eat"?  My answer..."Put it on the table and we will find something".

If you look hard enough, you can find some food on the table that you can eat!  Whether it is some type of meat or good vegetable.  So, I don't look at what is going on as a diet, more of a lifestyle change.

Now to my standard answer I tell all people who post here on the boards...

BREATHE!!!!!

You will be OK!  Good for you on the smoking, that's one challenge out of the way!

Good luck and keep us posted!  Hey your signature says it all:
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"!

Hey'ya!!! 

You've already gotten some GREAT advice..    and not much I can add other than you will love the nut. at Vandy, I've seen two of them, and both are so very helpful!   I was on a six month supervised diet (a requirement of my insurance) and they gave me so many helpful hints.  They never make you feel rushed or like any question is stupid, and they are so patient with questions!  

Until someone says you must be on a diet, then I wouldn't stress.  I would just concentrate on how well you are doing with kicking the smoking habit!  (WOOHOO!!!)   Enjoy your visit with Dr. Richards next week, and take it one deep breath at a time!

HUGS
Amy

To give you a time frame is a little hard to do sense so much rely on your insurance. But in general I would say 2-3 months to go thru your NUT apts, physic any other test they might want (such as sleep test). I know we all want it TODAY but try and take the time to really prepare yourself. Stay active here ask all the questions you want nobody minds even if we've been asked before and the time will pass quickly. C'ya Bob

Hi Ronda, Welcome , take abreathe, your gonna be just fine hon. I had stopped smok'n 3 yrs before my surgery, but I do know that in itself is a giant step. Great job. They don't want you to smoke, or even take up the habit again, it can cause you to have ulcer as well as other things you are familiar with. But they diffently don't want you gon'n back to it. But as Bob L. they will put you on a diet tailored to you insurancce and their critier (sp)  you are just gonna do wonderful!!!!  Myspace Graphics Barb