Wish Centre-Practice Diet

Hi, I am on the 8 week practice diet and have some questions. It was so much to take in that day of my first appointment and I have not heard back yet from the dietitian. I am wondering if the focus is more on writing down what I am eating rather than portion control at this time. I am feeling frustrated and deprived enough giving up caffiene, carbonation, etc. that also cutting back is hard. My other question is how can I have milk and cereal (milk being the protein) when you are supposed to be practicing not having liquids with meals? Anyone else out there on/been through the practice diet?

Hi Kathy; You do NOT have to worry about portion control at this point in your journey. I had lap band surgery on April 15th through the WishCenter in Renton, WA., and am here to tell you that the 8 weeks worth of documenting was overwhelming to me at the time, but before you know it it will just become part of your routine. Promise. They are going to be looking at your ability to make a real effort at the lifestyle changes that you will need to make after surgery. They want to see that you are capable of dividing your eating into 6 portions per day, and are making protein and water a priority, as well as exercise. They are not looking for perfection but are looking for effort. I remember being completely overwhelmed after the first visit and thinking that I would never be able to follow all of the directions I was given, and in fact waited a few days before I even attempted a start. When I did start I tried to conquer one thing at a time. I first got used to documenting everything I ate, then started working on upping my water and protein, and etc. It just seemed easier to me if I broke it down into smaller steps. They WILL be checking your exercise and food log very carefully at your 2 week pre-op appointment so do your best to document document document. Once you are in the habit, IT GETS EASIER, and even though I was doubtful at the time, now that I am post-op I am so glad that I had a jump start on the new habits I am now living with. I have no idea what your answer is concerning the milk and cereal question. They'd probably prefer that you make a different food choice but I can tell you that I had milk and cereal many times during my 8 weeks and I don't recall it being an issue at the pre-op appt. The goal is to get you on the right path for your new life, and although it seems overwhleming, it will make much more sense to you after the surgery. I honestly feel that I am having an easier time post-op because I had been practicing my new habits for a full 10 weeks prior to surgery. Feel free to e-mail me if I can be of any support to you, and good luck on your journey!

Thank you for the info! I am going through the Renton center too and have been very impressed with the service so far. Do I still write down the portions to get in the habit of doing so? I think the biggest change I am struggling with is not drinking while eating. It is almost like I was in mourning for that for a couple days but now I have come out the other side. I am very excited for the future, my second appointment will happen on June 17 if all goes well with the insurance. Good luck to you, I am sure I will be looking you up again.

I had my surgery in Jan. through the WISH center and think they were great. The pratice diet is to help you start making the changes you will need to make a lifelong commitment to. As for cereal, it is not a problem pre-op. Even now at 3+ months post-op I can eat high protein cereal for breakfast, I just don't drink the leftover milk or use just enough milk to miosten the cereal. I think as long as you are making sure that your food choices are high protein, low sugar and fairly low carb you will do just fine. If you want you can e-mail me with more questions and I will try to help what I can. Coni P. -75 0