Surgery scheduled 9/22 and other stuff

Hey everyone -

A little background information. I'm 37 and I weiged in 3 months at 475, not sure if I gained weight - prob did a little bit as I just ate whatever was clever (not really that clever haha). I had to wait another 3 months to finish a nutrition program in order to get Aetna to approve the Lap Band procedure. So I just said F it and ate a bunch of bad food for a while. 

I have been trying to get WLS for years. In the past, I just always gave up when I got denied. This time I found a great place that made sure I followed through on everything. 

So On 8/29 I get approved for the procedure as well as a umbilical hernia repair. I'm told that I have to weigh at least 20 lbs less than my initial weigh in (475 lbs). My surgeons office does the 2 week liquid diet pre-op thing, last 2 days clear liquids only. So a goal weight of 455 lbs

My problem is that I don't have a scale to even know where my current weight is - I don't have transportation to get to a place that even does. Rather, I have inconvenianced loved ones enough that they just really don't want to hear any requests, etc. 

I opted to start a liquid diet immediatly, I started the afternoon / evening of 8/29 . I have been drinking high protein / low carb shakes. Smoothies with fresh spinach, banana, strawberries and tofu. 

That was until about 25 minutes ago. I broke, I ended up eating a pre-cooked slab of baby back ribs (total calories 540). I just couldn't take it and like a crazy person I ripped it open, cut it into pieces and tossed it in the microwave. 

Now, I'm still hungry but I am refusing to give in again. 

I'm terrified of the possibility of my surgeon not doing the surgery. I have had so many let downs that it's insane and maddening! 

I'm going to hold off until 6 pm, have a protein shake. Then a snack @ 9 and wake up tomorrow back on the bandwagon. 

I hope to god I get this weight down so I have a happy surgeon! 

 Here is what you need to know about this diet:

1.  Pre-surgery diet is done with shakes in order to get your liver to shrink because when they place the band they have to use a liver retractor and they want to minimize the risk.  If they get in there they will know you have been cheating and not following the diet and sometimes they will NOT place the band because it's too risky.

2.  The liquid diet is detox.  It's terribly difficult.  No different than a drug addict.  Really.  The good news is, when you come out the other side of it your tastes will have changed somewhat and food won't be the same for you as it was before, especially white carbs.

3.  They want you to lose this weight as a test to see how willing you are to follow through.  The band isn't a magic pill.  It's still hard to lose weight and takes a lot of will power to get through each day.  But it will make you adjust some (not all) bad habits.

I know it sounds like I'm being harsh but that's the bottom line.  You have got to stay focused because it's a long ride.  Not only will you do pre-band liquids... you also have to wait and literally baby step back into food.  From the pre-diet to the post diet, it was 7 weeks before I had solid food.  THAT IS A LONG TIME.

But I will also say, cut yourself a little slack.  The psychology of not chewing is HUGE.  It's horrible.  And for that, most doctors do allow SOME foods on your liquid pre-diet to help ease this discomfort.  With my doctor, I could have 1 piece of fruit and 2 servings of veggies per day with my shakes.  I know another girl who had a different band doctor and she would have 2 shakes 1 piece of fruit and one Lean Cuisine, although he was picky about the ones she could have (low carb).  I know also chicken broth is allowed for the times you want HOT food, which is big for me.  Also SF jello and pudding is allowed.

Since you are doing this on your own free will, consider it a trial run.  You can always start over the next day.  But know in the end that it is part of the process.  Find a new hobby to occupy your time and this may help as well.

Good luck to you.  I hope you get through this, you are worth it!

I don't think you blew it. Don't worry and just get back on track. Above post is correct, the preop diet is to shrink your liver. They need to lift the liver up to place the band, and if the liver is too large, they don't have enough room to work. You can do it! Congrats on your impending surgery!

Im still in the seminar stage of my journey! Im sure that you and a speed bump in the road but dont get off the wagon acknowlege your mishap and get back on the road. You can do it motivate yourself and look ahead at what you want. No one is perfect so keep pushing forward. Best of luck to you! Thanks for sharing!