pre-surgery advice

Sorry, just saw your avatar. Should be "mom" and "wife." Sorry!

psychoticparrot

When it comes to the kids, you're the boss - so you get to decide what comes into the house and what is bought.  When it comes to adults.. hopefully they're on board with supporting you and will be willing to confine their junk to outside of the house in order to help you succeed.  If they're not, that's just something you'll have to deal with :(

True! I was thinking more about rice, cereal, potatoes, etc, but it's certainly important to get the family on board with a healthier new lifestyle. :)

Surgery fixes your stomach, not your head. It'll be easier to lose weight post-op, but not magic, and it takes a lot of hard work-- especially emotional work!

See if you can get started on some good post-op habits now:

• Take a multivitamin and supplemental calcium every day
  
  
• Log everything you eat and drink, even nibbles! Myfitnesspal.com is a great site for that.
  
  
• Drink 64+ oz water (or Crystal Light, iced tea, other calorie-free, caffeine-free drinks) every day
  
  
• Move as much as you can, even if it's a five minute walk each day; something is better than nothing!
  
  
• Focus on dense protein and as few carbs as possible

Be prepared for the mental side of the surgery. My biggest challenge has been mourning the loss of food, throwing out uneaten food (because we waist so much), head hunger, going out to eat and enjoying food. I miss the good ol "stuffed" feeling. The new full is way different. Some people go through moments of regret although I haven't. I just have to let go of an old friend who used to make me feel good.  

This made me teary eyed. Beautifully said

Find a therapist now - the surgery changes your stomach but does nothing for your brain.  Use this time and the time immediately post-op to get your brain sorted out so you just don't fall back into your old habits after the initial shininess of the surgery wears off.  

Start making changes now.  They don't need to be huge or all at once.  :)

Commit to an exercise plan...Whatever it is you will need to do something.  I walk every day in the morning and complete a Bootcamp workout 4-5 days a week.  I joined an online fitness site so I can access workouts whenever I want to and have time so I don't have to try to get to a gym (I work full time and have 4 kids at home).

Also, for me, the most difficult part of the process was the pre-op diet.  The first 3 days will be the hardest but you will make it.  Don't let yourself down.  Stick to it.

The yuckiest I felt was the first 3 days after.  I was very nauseous but felt better quickly after that.  You will go through a stage at this point when you will think, "What did I do to myself?!"  This will pass and you will be very happy.  Just do what your doctor says!  I wish you luck! This is an amazing adventure!!!