Attention Post-Ops! Any advice for Pre-Ops?

Hey everyone! Just wondering if any of you have any advice for us pre-ops that might prep us for life after surgery? Or any habits that you wish you would've started changing before surgery?

I've already began to make a conscious effort to start making changes and create healthy habits that are required as a VSGer so that I won't go into this entirely cold turkey. I have stopped drinking during my meals. I try to chew my food at least 20-30 times. I bought a Camelbak bottle so I can slowly sip fluids and have been drinking 64-80 oz a day. I've also been trying to work out on the regular.

Any other advice and/or habits that I should get used to that will prepare me for my new tummy and lifestyle?

Thanks in advance!
Monica

Sounds to me like you are doing all the right things.   Making healthy food choices is a great start and the no drinking with meals is a wonderful idea.   The rules are protein first,  no drinking with food, getting in your supplements and exercise.  If you start this pre op,  post op won't be so dramatic a change for you.  Best of luck on your journey  :o) Jeani

This is a repeat from a post I made a little while ago - It still applies,
A  couple of suggestions from the "old man" on this forum
GET BUSY!  WORK HARD!  TELL EVERYONE!
If you're serious enough to have made a committment to the VSG and the program that follows it - then do yourselves a huge favor and and start dealing with the weight - i.e., figure out an exercise and nutrition plan that will get you started today - not post-surgery - today.  I attended every support group I could find and I began walking and teaching myself to eat less.  I also decided to quit alcohol two months before surgery because it was obviously one of the things that was packing weight on.  I began walking at 425 lbs. - a mile in a long, long time, then a 1.5 miles and by the time I had surgery I was doing 2 miles daily, sweating like a Derby horse, but doing it.  I lost 24 lbs. pre-op and being in better shape was a key in my quick recovery and fast post-surgery weight loss.

I decided early that I would share this experience with everyone who loved me - they provided wise counsel, asked caring questions and have been a part of my journey from the beginning.  My personal opinion is that anyone who isn't willing to talk openly about their WLS is adding a major burden to their entire experience.  It's not a shameful experience, it's a life-changing, medically approved procedure that some of us must endure - for obesity, for diabetes, for high blood pressure and for sleep apnea - I've lost all those along with the weight.  An army of family, friends, neighbors and even casual aquaitences now celebrates my victories with me.  Same as when I had heart surgery 15 years ago - didn't hide that from anybody, why should I hide this?  If people don't "understand" it - educate them.  If they don't "like" it, screw 'em.

Hey kids - I'm 65 and last week I walked 27 miles including 2 rounds on the golf course pushing my clubs.  I've lost 112 lbs. in under 5 mos.and I feel fantastic.  I should have done more - but I'm glad I didn't do less.  Pop-Pop 

What a great thought!  The only thing I have begun doing is eliminating soft drinks. 
what is the advantage of the Camelbak bottle? I haven't heard of them before.  I just googled and they're pretty cool looking

It's pretty much an adult sippy cup. After surgery you're only able to take small sips at a time as your stomach heals, and the Camelbak bottle really helps with learning how to take small sips throughout the day. The straw won't allow you to take much fluid at a time. It's really awesome!

ooh, I might just need to invest in something like that.  anything to make the transition better, right?

Ok, so now I feel utterly guilty.  Later this month my surgeon will submit my info to the insurance.  Initially I thought I would just begin slowly by eliminating sodas then move to sweets.  Now I'm beginning to see that I need to do more and quickly.  I'm gonna look for some low carb snacks and get my butt outside and get to walking.  I've never heard of a Camelbak bottle but I may need to invest in one too. 

I'm serious about losing weight I guess I've been having too many food funerals.  Your post really helped me to get back on focus and to understand the importance of pre-op preparation.

Thank you and good luck on your journey!!!

Samantha

have you started adding any protein shakes to your diet?  That is something I would like to do to help get used to it.

I've purchased some protein but haven't started drinking it yet.  I may start adding that for my last meal or a snack during the day.  That was a good idea to start eating meals without drinking...that will be a challenge.

Samantha

The protein powder is definitely a good idea! And don't be so hard on yourself, Samantha. The good thing is that you realized that you need to get back on track. When I first found out my surgery date about a month ago, I had food funerals everyday for nearly two weeks! I had my mom cook me all of my favorite foods and went to all my favorite restaurnants. But then I decided that these food funerals would never end because I would always find new things I wanted to eat, so I gave up on that and decided to get ahead of the game so the surgery wouldn't be as hard once it came along. We'll all do this together! I know you'll do great!

Monica