Pre-op questions

Ok...here's where I'm at. I am in the process awaiting approval from my insurance co. I've done the 6 month diet, nutritionist meeting, etc. As soon as the insurance company approves it, I will have my psychological and then approval for surgery hopefully. I'm trying to start making some changes now to make the process easier such as no more sodas and no caffiene. I'm also really trying to watch what I eat and am drinking Slim-Fast Optima in place of two meals a day. I've read that the Slim-Fast is not the best as it has too much sugar, but since my wife had already bought it, I'm drinking it until it's gone. When it's gone...what next? I'm trying to get in a mindset and eating habit that will make the pre-op diet easier to transition to. So, any suggestions?

Hey Al, good to hear from you.  You pretty much know what to do...If you have dieted over the years like most of us have.  More vegetables...more lean meat and fish...cut way back on the pastries...cut out the fast food and soft drinks...cut way back on the sugar (my downfall).  Try and walk as much as you can.  Start exercising abit too.  With many of us...weight and work don't allow much time and effort for the exercise...but walking for a start will help.  Good idea on the caffiene.  Don't go hog wild on a whey protein powder...hardly any of them taste good and your taste will change after WLS.  Hope to hear more about your journey.  Brian

Al, Sounds like you are on your way to being prepared for the surgery.  One thing I would suggest that is not mentioned in your post is concerning drinking around and during meals.  I would strongly encourage you to stop drinking fluids 30 minutes prior to meal time, during meals and for up to one hour after your meal.  This will help you with the full feeling during and after the meal cause your stomach will not be displaced by fluid thus not feeling full from the food that you eat.  I have found that this has even helped me feel full and maintain that feeling after drinking a protein shake.  A protein powder that I have found that I enjoy is from EAS.  You can buy a six pound bag from Sam's Club or Cascos for around $31.00.  There are chocolate and vanilla.  I use the vanilla an change the flavor with a teaspoon of sugar free pudding mix to have a variety of flavors. Looking to hear more about your journey as you continue. Bill

Al, Seems like you are already on the right track.  Just keep doing what you are.  The pre-op diet isn't much different up to a few days before the surgery.  At that point your doc will give you instructions on how he/she wants you to proceed.  Each surgeon is different.  Some want a liquid only diet for up to a week before others only 1 or two days with light meals for a few days before that.  Mine was regular diet I was on up to 48 hours before surgery then liquids only and nothing from 14 hours before surgery.  Really not as hard as it sounds since you are sleeping most of that 14 hours. Good luck. Look forward to seeing you on the loosers bench. Rich

Yep, what they said.  Start tracking your intake with Fitday.com. Download the program, it is worth the few $ they charge for the program!