Starting Pre-Op Diet Tomorrow (12/28/2010)

Well I'm starting pre-op diet tomorrow (12/28) My surgery is 01/11/11.  I think I'm prepared.  Have my protein shakes/meals and vitamins.  Have lots of milk and water.  Still need to pick up a couple low-cal frozen meals in case I decide I need something solid but I've pretty much decided to try and do this all liquid.

My mom ended up in the hospital on the evening of Christmas so I spent several hours with her in the ER.  I have been up at the hospital hours the last 2 days also.  She is very obese, has diabetes, heart-attacks and strokes and has been in a nursing home since she was in her early 60's (she's now 71).  If I had any doubts about this surgery they have been erased the last few days.  She made a comment to me today that she doesnt think I should have the surgery.  I tried to explain to her that I DON'T want to end up like her later in life, I want to be one of the 90-yr olds who still lives in her own place.  She doesnt understand - and she is NOT part of my support system. 

I do expect the first few days I will have food withdrawls that will be hard, any advice getting through those is greatly appreciated.

Thanks for listening!!

Hey Pam,

Good Luck!!!  One of the things I would suggest is rely on others for your support.  We have a group that meets for coffee once in a while.  We have all had WLS.  We are actually getting together this Thursday at Luna Coffee on University by Bernies Liquors.

If you have time, please stop by and we can all visit.   Just remember, you don't have to do this alone. 

Take Care.  Hope to see you Thursday.  PS.. We meet at 6:00 PM.

Steve

Steve - Thanks for the invite and the information.

I will do my best to make it on Thursday night - weather permitting of course.  Wouldnt you know it your having coffee on a night I dont have to work and we're supposed to get a big snow storm.

I look forward to meeting people in this process face to face.

Thanks again!

Well,  If you can make it great.  There are also monthly support group meetings at Merit Care and Essentia (sp).  Sidebar--Steph did I spell it right>

Steph will know if I spelled it right. 

The WLS process is ongoing.  Probably the most important part is after you get home from surgery and begin your weight loss journey.  What do I eat, what vitamins do I need, etc.  That's why I like the coffee clutch (as we affectionately call it) because I can learn from those who have done this already.

Also, they understand my fears, frustrations, excitement, etc.  Hope to see you on Thursday.

Steve

Pam,
your days will get closer real fast,keep your chin up and know you are doing this for YOU. No matter what others think or say-stay strong in your beliefs.

Make sure to have some sugar free jello and Popsicles in the house, they come sugar free/no sugar added. Half a Popsicle will get your 2 ounces of fluid intake. You may find it will be hard to get all the protein counts in and liquid counts in, your not alone there, we all went through it. I found it impossible to do. I just made sure to get in as many liquids as I could,screwed the food. I didn't want to become dehydrated and end up in the er for IV fluids. Your body has some reserves of protein and vitamins in store, so don't fret! It will all come around in time, work on the healing first and give yourself that room to just heal.

Most important thing to bring to the hospital, I found was chap stick! the air is so dry there.
Hope to see you at coffee! weather permitting LOL
Kelly/tink