Pre-op has questions!

Hi everyone! Here's my question what things did you do or would you have done in the weeks before your surgery to ensure your success? I am 38 days away from my surgery, and I am motivated to do it right! That being said, I want to know how you handled it, because this group is amazingly successful! Love this board, thanks for everything! Kate

Kate, The number one thing everyone told me was to start walking before my surgery...that way it would be easier for me post up because the more you walk after you have WLS the quicker you will heal. By my 2nd week Post-Op I was up to 2 miles. Best of luck to you and hold on for the ride!!!! Keith

Congrats on your decision for a new healthy you. I switched to drinking only water about 2 months before surgery. This made it easier on me because it was what I was used to and I ddin't feel deprived suddenly after surgery. Courtney

Kate, Get off caffeine! I would have been so hard to recover and go thru caffeine withdrawl at the same time. I also suggest getting in the habit of not drinking soda, even diet caffeine free. If you drink tea get used to requesting unsweetened at restaurants...I have found that if you don't specifically order unsweetened you get ultra sweet. Also, an exercise and vitamin regime now can only benefit you now and for your recovery. Lets see, what else did I do...I made sure my will was updated (just in case...never hurts to be prepared) Oh yeah, I started stocking up and trying protein samples. Stocked up on my "post-op" foods like broth, SF jello, etc...Best of luck Liz

Morning Kate, Congrats on your upcoming surgery! In preparation for surgery I began walking at least 15 minutes per day. I stocked my shelves with all the goodies needed to get me going in the right direction. SF Carnation Instant Breakfast, Non-fat dry milk, soups, SF pops, Jell-O, Crystal Light etc. I bought a journal to document my journey as well. I also purchased the vitamins I would need per my surgeon. Closer to my surgery date I prepared meals for my hubs and daughter and froze them for easy access so all he would have to do is cook them. I also borrowed a recliner from a friend (it vibrated too which felt good on my back) because I was NOT able to sleep in my bed stretched out for the first few weeks. Otherwise, I read up on all I could find about my type of surgery, read the profiles/boards here, asked questions and posed concerns. Arm yourself with knowledge! Kat

Kate.... You have already paved your way !! You decided this surgery was for you and that you commit to it. There will be things that come up here and there on your path no matter what. Sweets are already calling my name but I try to be strong !!! Good Luck !!! Dana

Kate~ My advice is to start walking now, start your vitamins now, up your protein now and start keeping a food log/journal. These things are vital to my success and having more protein now will help with your healing after surgery. Tammy

Thank you for asking the question. I too wanted to know how to prepare for the surgety or better yet what I could do while I went through the pre-op consultations.

Hey Kate! Congrats on your upcoming surgery. Believe me when I say time will start to fly!!! I'm going to concur with some of the other suggestions. Begin your exercise routine; every little bit you do now will put you in a better situation for your surgery as well as get you prepared for afterwards. My second suggestion is to go ahead and cut out the caffeine. You are going to have enough going on right after surgery to deal with withdrawal I also started ordering protein samples for after surgery. Don't buy large quantities because your taste will change. I have 3 big containers of protein supplements that I can't stand anymore One item I found especially handy post-op was a Gopher tool my mom bought me at Walmart. Basically it will allow you to pick up stuff without bending over. For the first couple of weeks, I was the biggest clutz & kept dropping stuff like the remote, books, glasses, etc. Having it around was a blessing Here is a link for what I'm talking about: http://www.drleonards.com/detail.cfm?EDP=10307387&key=10199102 I'm not endorsing the site; there were several online places with it or you might be able to find it local. Best wishes again!!! I'm 3 months out, so just let me know if you have any questions for a relative newbie Julie 237/189/165/135 preop/current/dr's goal/my goal

Hi Kate, Everything one would do AFTER surgery, I did 3 months before. I put myself on 'the diet'--the diet we all observe now (for the most part). I upped my water, and started walking. I even started the protein supplents. Lost 34 pounds!! And at the same time proved to myself that I could and would follow through and do it! Everyone has given you good advice here. Getting started BEFORE surgery is a great beginning. Good luck! Lois