Quick Newbie Question

So at my 2nd Orientation meeting today we were given a Pre-Op 1200 calorie diet that feels more complicated than performing the surgery itself.  I thought they would put us on a liquid diet to lose the pre surgery weight but nope.  None of my friends that had the surgery had to do anything like this.  They want us to eat a certain quantity of protein, non starch veggies, starch veggies, fat and fruit and to eat them all separately.  Also no drinking 30 minutes before eating or 30 to 60 minutes after eating.  This is all pre surgery stuff too.  Is this familiar to anybody else or is this just an exclusive Kaiser Permanente hoop?  On a happier note... I have my first appointment with the surgeon scheduled for July 10th!    

Mine wasn't quite like that, as I just had a day of clear liquids, but it sounds like a good prep for your surgery!

Yeah I kind of think that's their idea is to get us as close to eating right as possible.  Also I have to wonder if some people opt not to have the surgery because they are so successful on this diet.  But I'm not sure.  Thanks for your reply.  :)

I had 1200 cal diet.  I thought it was easy, liquid protein grinds and bars and one lean meal of protein and vegetables.  Now carbs or soda.  Did okay cheated a couple of times but here now:  

good luck 

I really wish our was that easy!  I'd gladly go on just a liquid diet for a couple of months not to have to figure all of this out.  I guess the best thing to do will be to just take it one step at a time until I can figure out the method in their madness.  LoL  Thanks for your reply!  :)

The more good practices for healthy eating you can habituate now, the further ahead you'll be after surgery. You are fortunate to have the opportunity to "front load" now. Hang in there ! By the time you have your surgery, you'll be a pro !

I never did liquids. My supervised weight loss (3 months for insurance purposes) started in October with a 1200 calorie plan and then my pre-op diet started in February with a 1000 calorie plan. Take full advantage though - I lost 60 lbs before being wheeled into surgery. At 9 weeks out I've lost over 30 more. The work you do (calorie reduction and habit modification) will help you so much post-op!

My program was just like this.  I found it very helpful to establish the pattern of eating in this way before the surgery.  It was hard to do but it was good training so I had some good habits before I needed them.

best wishes,

Carol

My program was also like this.  I had two weeks of an 1185 calorie low-carb, low-fat, low-sodium diet.  It was definitely hard, but I knew it was the final countdown to getting my surgery, so I white knuckled my way through it.

Hrrrrm.  Mine was a little different? I'm surprised you're on the diet without even meeting with the surgeon yet!

I went to a webinar in November, didn't like the surgeon who did it. When to another webinar in December and loved the guy. Booked an appointment to meet with him in January. He went over the procedures and requirements. I'd have to lose 10-15 lbs before surgery (his rules). Wound up not being covered by my insurance, so went the self-pay route. The hoops were far reduced, but I still had to do some of the prep for him.

My pre-op diet started 2 weeks before surgery. Protein shake mixes and bars. I wound up having to modify because I can't tolerate artificial sweeteners and the shakes and bars were filled with sucralose (and they're considered "healthy???") Wound up doing one shake of my own (unflavored protein powder, fage 0%, fruit), two 1/2 cup meals - half protein half produce, then one serving of the bariatric advantage vegetable soup (which was cardboard-colored and tasted "brown.") I cheated once and had a whole can of brunswick stew because I was so hungry, but at least I didn't reach for the fast food or the cookies!

I'm grateful that I had to modify, because it got me started on the portion control and sugar monitoring early. The transition to the post-surgical meal schedule wasn't too difficult (except that my parents insisted on cooking bacon every day when I was recovering at their house immediately after surgery).

The 30/30 rule has been hard, but it's worth it. The 30 minutes before isn't as critical as the 30 minutes afterward, in that if I drink within 30 minutes before eating, I don't feel sick, but if I drink even a minute too soon after eating, I have to will myself not to throw up. It's better to practice that habit now, before your surgery, when you don't have those kind of side effects. I wish I had started earlier.

Good luck with everything!