Back from Pre-op (Long..)

Weighed in happily! From my highest doctor-recorded weight of 267 (PCP) the first week of October I have lost 26 pounds. 241 today!! Imagine my surprise when Jill the, bariatric nurse educator, told us of the new policy--starting today we are on the following diet: 5 protein shakes per day As much non-calorie liquid as one wishes. Hm. I am not opposed to weight loss, protein shakes OR non-calorie liquids. Just wish I had known in advance, so that to food I have in the 'fridge wouldn't be wasted. Like my dear non-fat no sugar yogurt. Ah well. It won't be too much lost. That is the only glitch. No more complaints. Things I have never seen on this site which I learned: This new food regimen is the result of recent research which shows that going on this sort of diet before surgery FURTHER shrinks the liver and yields better surgical results. A bariatric full liquid diet and clear liquid diet are different from what I learned these were at the VA Hospital. All the surgical ports are sealed with surgical glue when surgery is laparoscopic. AND no upper GI. This team sends JP drainage to the lab to check for indications of a leak (amylase). No upper GI unless lab work indicates the possiblity of a leak. Central line or not was left up to me--no thanks, unless I crash. Also, epidural for pain or IV pcp--IV thank you. Didn't need a chest xray because I am so healthy (anesthesia said this, I did not make this up). Almost all patients get a liver biopsy because of the high incidence of NASH among bariatric patients. The good doctor is working on three pieces of research and I gave consent for all-- 1.) liver bx at 3 sites, 2.) sample of small intestine for digestive serotonin study, 3.) storage of blood sample for later study. Was told about how the resected gastric edges are finished. I was quite curious and the surgical fellow didn't mind explaining . She also explained how gastro-gastric fistulae occur. I was so glad she explains whatever I ask, however detailed. I did double check the lab work ordered and found they had NOT ordered my liver panel. I told the surgical fellow that I had no intention of taking iron until I received word that my serum ferritin is within normal limits. She didn't order the panel despite what I said. The NP in anesthesia however, was a sweetheart and tacked the order onto my lab order form when I called this oversight to her attention. I have a family history of hemochromatosis (iron loading disease) and will only take iron if I am told my iron is NOT high.--And really now, I am peri-menopausal and never know when I am going to have period. The woman at the Hospitality House said she did NOT have any paperwork on me, so I had to ask the doctor's secretary to submit all the work again. Cetainly glad I called while there. Next Monday I leave for Richmond right after work. Then Tuesday morinng more tests and the treadmill for the exercise study. This will keep me busy until next SUNDAY. I've been working on this post for several hours, with many interruptions. Am sleepy at last. Lois

I'm glad things went well for you. I will be in Richmond on Monday for more testing. I would be interested to hear what your doctor said about gastrogastric fistulae. My surgeon, my PCP and a doctor from the Mayo Clinic did a conference call with me this afternoon while I was at my PCP's office. Very interesting conversation. I am an RN, and kept up with most of the info. They're all very sure that this fistula will heal with no surgery required...we will see. In the mean time, congratulations on another very big step. Rest well. Abrazos, elizabeth 359/243/160 (down 116 at 4 months 4 days!)

Lois.....found this after I asked the question in other post....sounds good and this is a whoooooooooooooooole lot more than I had 4 years ago.... ah, progress.......this is so much more research and tracking and I am glad you are going to reap the benefits of all of this......later, love

Lois, I am so glad things went well for you. I think that you have given all of us some education. I think its so weird how different docs want different things done. I guess that is what makes a person and individual. Melissa ps. could you please tell me where you get the protein drink you brought for me. and what is that yogurt recipe you use w/ the vanilla extract? Thanks again, Melissa

Hi Melissa, I get the Achieve One from store.bariatriceating.com It comes in 4 flavors. The Power Crunch Bars are terrific, too. Yogurt. Not much to it. I use Dannon fat free plain yogurt. I buy it in the very large containers because I like it so much. I put about 1 cup in a bowl (110 cal) and add two heaping teaspoons of Splenda, then vanilla extract to taste (prob 1/2 tsp). I eat it plain OR put it on the sugar free jello . Amen about the different doctors requiring different things. I thought I had learned everything I needed t know on Obesity Help and HECK no. So many different things! GLUE!!??? I was flabberghasted that they offered me those choices! Yes, variety makes the world go 'round and thank goodness for it. Lois

Wow, Lois....you sure got some information in that visit. When is your surgery??? I went back to my surgeon this morning and had my zipper (staples) removed but will have my tube for 3 more weeks....it isn't a JP tube (dummy me) it is a G tube in case something goes wrong, they can feed me.... Hugs, Betsy