Best pre-op diet changes for a wannabe DS'er

So if I were ready to start making some dietary changes and i was pre-op (very very pre-op, like months and months and months), what would you recommend is the best way to do so?

 

I know DS'ers are not big on calorie counting, but can anyone give me ideas as far as approximate carb counts, protein amounts (I've been keeping track of bites and vites recently so I picking up a baseline for some) and fats? Thanks muchly. You guys have been great! 

I'd say basically cut your carbs as much as you can. Try to make sure meals mostly protein and never eat a carb alone. So, if you're going to have toast for breakfast, eat a thin piece of bread and then add cheese or peanut butter to it. Visually, cut your plate in half and make that for protein, then 1/4 carb and 1/4 vegetable. Really pay attention to counting starchy vegetables as starches (so, corn & lima beans are starches not vegetables). Cut back on your sweets and make them an occasional treat.

And, remember, it WILL be easier after the surgery to make these changes!

You are most welcome to post on Bites & Vites. I started posting there as a pre-op and called it practice.

You could do something like South Beach or Maintenance Atkins. Keep net carbs below 50 grams or so, and increase your protein to 90 or more grams a day. I wouldn't count calories just avoid carbs and increase protein. I wouldn't avoid fats and oils, just be reasonable. Don't stress about it. If we could do this without surgery we would have. Hang in there.

--gina

 

I did a little pre-DS practice myself.  I gave up soda, artificial juices, cakes, chips and candy.  I also reduced the amount of rice, potatoes and bread that I would normally eat.  DS eating is not hard at all, especially after surgery.  By the time I had the DS, eating was a breeze since I was already eating that way anyways. 

I know it isn't strictly dietary but you might want to get some labs done and work on anything that is on the low end 
of "normal". Most people need more D3 and that becomes more important after surgery.

For cooking and eating I think Atkins type meals are the way to go. Probably not something you will get
back to right after surgery but eventually you will want some variety. Good to have some recipes that you already
tried.  

 

I drank alot of caffeine and ate alot of carbs pre-surgery approval. Since both are addicting, I weined myself off to avoid detox issues (yes, that's a real thing for both.). I upped my water intake to post-surgery rqmts to start the habit. I quit carbonation since I couldn't have it after either. I tried different protein shakes to see which I liked the best. Although that's not a guarantee that'll you like it after surgery since some people's taste buds change.

Just for clarification: not everyone has to avoid carbonation after surgery. I drink 1 diet coke per day and I have since I was about 6 months out. I know nutritionally it's not great for me, but it's my drug of choice. I always say everyone has to die of something and I choose Diet Coke! ;)

I have three diet cokes during my morning routine, another at lunch, one at two and probably one with dinner.  Your drug is much more under control than my addiction.

So happy to hear about the dt coke. My surgery is in a week and giving it up forever is my biggest downside. No tummy effects? Does your DR know?

All I count is 100g of protein as my daily goal.

My biggest recommendation for you right now is to start eating real foods.  I mean unprocessed, meat, cheeese, and veggies that you prepare and assemble your own self.  Most prepared and packaged foods contain hidden sugars, carbs and sodium that you can avoid if you prepare it yourself.