Consult Appointment Finally

It's been kind of like a comedy of errors in getting an appointment with the surgeon, but it was finally scheduled for 11 a.m. on Tues. the 28th.  I'm not sure whether to be excited or scared, but I am glad I've taken the first step.

I spent an hour yesterday filling out his online patient profile form, with medical, lifestyle, eating behavior histories.  Gosh, a lot of information to provide!  I'm glad it's thorough, but it really took some thought to get it all together.  Will go back over it today to be sure I didn't leave out anything, and then his the "Submit" button.  

One thing that is getting to me, though, is that I've read a couple of fatality posts on other forums, and so I'm worrying a bit about whether or not this will be a mistake, and rather than help me, it'll kill me.  My head says it's more of a mistake to NOT have the surgery, and risk an early death from obesity, but my emotions are another story.  I imagine everyone has those misgivings, but it is something I need to work through. 

Any advice on things I can do now to prepare for surgery would be appreciated (assuming I'm approved, of course.)  I've been trying to bump up my protein intake, in an effort to boost my energy levels, and I've been replacing a few meals with protein shakes.  I'd like to get on some kind of self-imposed eating plan that will help me be as prepared as possible for what's coming.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Beth 

Congrats on taking your first steps. Hopefully your journey to surgery will go by quickly!!

It's scary reading about all the things that could go wrong with surgery. It's like all those warnings (the small print) on the TV commercials about the fantastic Rx's available but.....
You have to face the fact that this is major surgery..things can happen but it's rare. Hopefully you have vetted your surgeon and you're comfortable with his record. You would be unusual if you weren't a little scared.

Advise for pre op? Good move to up your protein levels. I would also do the following as you move forward-----up your fluid intake to 64 oz; find time to do a little exercise (even a 10 minute walk at lunch?) and start tracking your intake (myfitnesspal; livestrong, etc).

Pre op eating plan----I would go for the Atkins(modified to lower fat) or South Beach induction plan (phase 1 or first 2 weeks).  Very low carb, high protein.

Good luck on your journey.

Thanks so much for the advice!  I'm really anxious to prepare myself well, so that if/when I'm approved and really getting the surgery, I'll be as ready as possible.  I'm not real familiar with South Beach, but I have the new Atkins book, so I'll dig that out and re-read the induction part. 

Thanks again!

Beth

Certainly!
My opinion---South Beach is lower fat Atkins---for the most part. About the same.

Hello,
Great advice has been given already! Protien, water/fluids, less carb/fat, vitamins. Meal replacement is great, or just go to small meals 5 to 6 times a day. My weightloss of 110 before surgery and what worked for me, with advice from my nutrtionist was as follows. I was not required to lose weight but did. I ate about 1000 cal a day. However, green, red, and orange vegetables did not count in my calories. They were free. This allowed me to have those if I felt I needed them. No soda pop. Tea and water no sugar. That was basically it. Journaled everything. Then of course movement. Get up. Move and find ways to get extra movement going. There are so many ways to get extra movement into your life. Amazing how many ways EXCERSIZE can be done and incorporated in your life. Think outside the box!

Surgery is scary. No lie. It is about weighing your pro/con. It is your feeling and your body. Each one of us has to do this. Listen to your doctors, get the test Pre surgery needed. Listen to you. Nothing in life is "easy". Either way it will be work. Surgery is not a cure all.

I love my decision to have surgery. It was right for me. I will have to work with my weight issues the rest of my life. Go into this with the right mindset is my advice. Do your research. It sounds like you have been.

Best wishes in your journey for weightloss and a healthier you. Keep coming to the forums, know your not alone, and hugs!

Sherri

Sherri, I really appreciate the good, common-sense advice.  I especially appreciate it from someone who doesn't just "talk the talk", but walks the walk!  I'm taking to heart everything everyone has said here, and reading, reading, reading, the forums, books, online articles, etc.  Being my age (60), I know better than to just jump in without counting the cost; have done that in the past, and definitely lived to regret it! 



Beth

Hi,

First off congrats on your first few steps. You've gotten wonderful advice from really great people who've been there. So I can't really compete with it. I just have a couple of things to add to it. Call it "learning the hard way."

It's going to be a huge life long battle, it's already been a battle and that's never going to stop. Making this decision is going to give you a weapon for your fight. There are a few more things to add to your aresenal if you so choose.

One of which is if you're here with us in the BMI over 50 forum, we have a serious issue. Consider getting some counseling as to why you have the food issues you do. You'd be amazed at how much support that can give you. Also look for a local support group so you're seeing folks face to face with similar issues.

Next realize you're probably going to fall off the wagon a bit at first. Embrace your stubborness and hop right back on. When you're down and out come here and let everyone know what is bothering you and you'll get some of the very best support you could ever imagine.

Mostly realize that you're totally not alone. When I get down I come here and read the boards and see other folks' amazing accomplishments and it inspires me.

The higher protein will definitely make you feel much better. Try to take the stairs or park at the end of the parking lots. Make sure you add vitamins to your routine early instead of late. Care for you as much as you care for others.

Good luck and can't wait to see your progress!

Brenda

Hi, Brenda ~ I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the good advice I'm getting from everyone!  It makes me feel not so alone in this endeavor. 

I agree with you, counseling is probably a pretty good idea.  Since I've struggled with the food/eating/weight issues my whole life, it's obviously a problem!  On my own, I've been working hard to identify the situations in which I eat, why I'm doing it, and to learn new ways of living to avoid all my past mistakes. 

One off the things I plan to do - tonight, in fact - is ask my husband to walk with me a bit in the evening.  Right now, because of my weight and the fact I've become so sedentary, I probably won't be going far, but even if I only get halfway down the block, it'll be better than nothing.  I want to start creating new habits, and I know exercise is one of the best things I can do for myself, now and in the future.

Thanks for replying to my post.  I love this particular forum on OH, because everyone seems to be so helpful and compassionate.  It's so much easier to talk to people who've walked in my shoes.  And btw, you're right, BMI's over 50 are a serious issue.  Even though I know WLS is a drastic step, I know that carrying this amount of weight around is a lot more risky. 

Okay, that's it for now!  (I'm a very wordy person, as you'll see.  Why use only two or three word, when 20 or 30 will work too?) 

Beth