Pre-Op Dieting: JUST DO IT!

I haven't posted in a couple months, but I'd come back and share my experience. In January 2007, I had a BMI of  62+. (See photos on profile.) I was sickly as hell-- having pre-diabetic isues, edema, sleep apnea. I was barely mobile. I fell asleep driving. You know the drill. After my first surgical consult in February, I decided on the RNY. My surgeon convinced me this was my safest and most effective bet. Between my first and second appointment, I somehoe lost 4 pounds. My doctor explained how pre-operative weight loss can really help post-op outcomes-- so I decided I would really give it a shot. I started by just logging what I ate. Simply doing that made me want to want a little less-- I used FitDay.com. I tried dropping to 2500 calories a day, then 2000...and within a month was comfortable on 1300 balanced calories a day. I started walking-- at first, to the mailbox. Then around the block. Eventually I could walk a mile a day, or do 45 minutes of water aerobics/swimming or bike 15 minutes. I didn't need to lean on my shopping cart, didn't want a scooter. Walked through whole museums. My surgery was July 16th. As of my surgery date, of my own accord, I got my BMI under 50-- I had lost 68 pounds all by my lonesome. The doctor reported that despite my losses, my liver was still huge. Had it been any larger, it'd have had to be an open surgery. My pre-op diet saved me from the added pain and additional recovery of the more invasive procedure, and I am so happy about that. It hasn't been a cakewalk, regardless. Some people tell you the RNY is the best thing they ever did for themselves...but I am of the opinion that taking control of my life (and not waiting for surgical intervention or eating a million "Last Suppers") might be the best thing I ever did for myself. Time will tell. If you're pre-op, give some thought to the assistance you can give yourself and your surgeon by starting now to get some of your bulk outta the way. Stay on your pre-op diet. Drink your liquids, eat your purees, and move as well as you can. You have more power to help yourself than you know-- remember it's hard, but it's finite...maybe one last "diet" will save you inestimable trouble later.

Shari, You have written some words of wisdom!  I know that it's hard being pre-op and going through all the requirements, and then being asked to lose some weight as well.  I've said, and so have others "If I could lose it, I wouldn't need the surgery".  But every little bit helps, and puts us in better shape and mindset for our new lifestyle.   My insurance required me to attend 6months of classes presurgery.  Many people try and avoid or skip the classes, but aside from the training on what the surgery is like, we have to learn to live like post-ops while we are still pre-op.  We are still tempted at times by the burger or french fries, but over the 6 months of classes, I had to begin eating like a post-op.  I gave up soda, sweets, fatty foods, pizza, and a host of other things.  I began making the lifestyle changes that would help with my surgery.  My loss wasn't as large as yours, but I lost 31lbs pre-op AND began a habit of exercise.   The classes taught us that exercise was a HUGE priority and commitment for post surgery life, and that to stay healthy and maintain the weight loss after reaching goal, we had to be active.  The last supper idea is bad -- it only stresses that you WILL BE MISSING FOOD, when we need to stress that food isn't all that wonderful when compared to the whole scheme of life, and that LIFE is more important.  Life isn't great when you cannot move and are trapped in fat and bad health.  LIFE when you can enjoy and be active and participate instead of just being a spectator is wonderful! Before my surgery, and lifestyle change of the Kaiser classes, I felt that I was a healthy fat person.  I didn't have any co-morbid conditions, I didn't have "problems" medically.  I couldn't do things that my very active husband wanted to do, so I would watch him do them, and he didn't like doing them alone.  Now, I am able to participate and enjoy having fun with my husband.  What a change.  And now I can see that some of my asthma was related to my weight, as well as my heavy periods.  While these were not considered co-morbid conditions, they were impacting my life for the negative. I've also found that I no longer need regular naps -- the only day that I nap now is our traditional Sunday afternoon nap, but it is short now.  I used to have to sleep each afternoon because the smallest activity would wear me out -- now I have so much energy that I have to tire myself out!  What a difference! Thanks for the reminder for our better health!

I agree. I haven't had surgery, August 29th is my day. I have lost 103 pounds so far on Optifast. I had a week of "one for the road eating" I finally got ahold of myself and realized I have worked way too hard on this to screw it up now. This is my 2nd day of being back in control of my life and my destiny. Thank you for posting all that you said. I hope that you have continued success. Blessings, Annie W.

No problem! Hey, I had to say goodbye to a bagel, some Chex Mix, Doritos, and a cheeseburger and onion rings, myself. Great to hear you got back up on the horse....best of luck to you!