53 & and lightweight... am i crazy

I have wanted WLS for many years and finally approved (surgery date 9/15) and I'm scared to death that I can't do this whole thing... this whole life change.  I can't imagine life with mostly liquids.  It all seems so overwhelming.  Can someone tell me about the first week post-op?  I barely drink liquids now (coffee in the morning, ice tea with dinner), so is it possible to be able to do so much after the surgery?  Maybe I'm not ready.

Hello Clair,
I was not a big drinker prior to my surgery, it will be a year for me on Sept. 14th.  There are days when I am not drinking enough and I have learned to listen to my body and will up my water, decaf tea, crystal light, etc.  I was not a big water drinker, but now I've found if I take a 24 oz container in the car in the morning - I'll drink it on the way to work, then I'll fill it again for the ride home.  In wor****ep water and decaf tea right beside me all day long and I find myself drinking it, there are days I have to force it, I get busy, don't want to keep running to the bathroom, but then I can feel my body needing the fluids and I drink.

After my surgery I was on clear liquids for 1 week, I made a chart that I followed daily to make sure I got in all the fluids that week.  The second week I was on full liquids, again I made a chart for the full & clear liquids then followed it to get in the amount that is recommended.  The second week I even managed to get in some extra clear liquids so I went over the recommended liquids which my doc was very happy about.  The third week when I started pureed foods, it was a little more difficult to get in the liquids but I kept trudging along till I did it. 

Always keep a container of fluids with you.  If it is in your hand or by your hand, you'll eventually get used to drinking.

Good luck with your surgery.  This is the most amazing journey I've ever had except for the birth of my dauthers!

Ida

Thank you Ida.  Your message makes me feel it's possible.  I like the idea to take along the water with me, to and from work.  Is water considered better than crystal light, decaf ice dea, etc?  I was also worried about work because I too get so busy that I'm certain to forget to drink.. but if my body is going to alert me (somehow), then it should be okay.  I thought it would be so exciting to get to this stage but that's not the case, for me.  I'm becoming anxiety-ridden.

Your welcome.  Water is always a better choice if your pouch will tolerate it.  My hubby had RnY almost 5 yrs ago and his pouch reacts to water.  He drinks decaf coffee only.  Me I can drink anything.  I prefer the decaf teas to plain water, but because I know water is best for me, I fill my Naglene container prior to work and after work.  Other than that I probably drink more decaf or crystal light during the day.  If I have the hot beverage I know I want to drink it before it gets cold and don't want to waste it.  Same with the cyrstal light, I'll drink it before it gets warm so I don't waste it. 

Most WLS surgeons will tell us to stay away from caffiene for the first 6 months.  For my hubby he figured he was caffiene free for 6 months so why go back to caffiene.  I have been caffiene free since I had problems with my breasts being sore, my PCP suggested I stop all caffiene and I havne't had any soreness since so I'm now free of it I intend to stay that way.  Other than my occasional piece of dark 85% chocolate.  My one luxury I allow myself. 

The last weeks leading up to surgery was a whirl wind for me.  It went so fast that the day of surgery crept up on me and was over before I knew it.  This is an amazing journey - enjoy every day of it, those leading up as well as those after the surgery.

Ida

Do you remember what your diet was prior to the surgery?  Do i really have to go on liquids for a week before surgery (for me, that's next week).

All surgeons are different.  My surgeon put me on a liquid diet 2 weeks prior to surgery.  I had all my meals planned out for those two weeks all my favorites one last time, then he called and said I want you on a liquid diet for two weeks.

So I wanted to have surgery so I complied with his wishes.  I was to drink 3 slimfast low carb drinks per day, I could suppliment with chicken broth, pudding, jello, veggie broth, beef broth, tea, iced tea, crystal ligh****er.  So for two weeks I did exactly that.  I lost about 17 pounds in those two weeks.

The first day was the worst for me.  After that day it got easier.  Each day I got closer to my surgery so it was worth the liquid diet to get there.

So many have asked me if I had to do this all over again and know what I know now would I do it.  My answer is always YES I'd go through the whole process to have this surgery all over again it is so worth it!!!

You are very inspiring.  I meet with the nutrionist on Wednesday and I think i'll probably have to go on liquids pretty soon.  I'm hoping she'll help me get a better grasp of this whole food thing.  Which protein drinks did you try?  Do you think I need to be stock-up before I go to the hospital?  My daughter is a nursing student so i'm hoping she'll be somewhat helpful, tho her patience is lacking (at least for this mom).  I really appreciate your advice.  Thanks

The protein powder I like the best is called Zero Carb Isopure - I purchase it at Cheapvitamin.com

When I'm out and about and feel that I need some protein I'll stop at a local store and purchase premade drinks called Oh-Yeah - I love their strawberry.

I make my protein shakes with unsweetened Almond milk, either the vanilla or chocolate.  I've found when I make them with skim milk they make me sick, but I can drink skim milk  by the glass - go figure.

I was fortunate my hubby had his surgery almost 5 years ago, so when I met with my nutritionist I was sharing ideas with her rather than her telling me what was best to do.  In some ways my journey has been a bit boring because I figured everything out 5 years ago for my hubby, I had nothing to figure out for myself except what amounts of exercise and walking I needed to do to keep the weight loss steady.

Lots of luck with your journey and like I've said enjoy it all....it's an amazing ride once it starts....

Ida

 Does almond milk have less sugar than skim milk, maybe?

I don't think I have ever had almond milk.

Hi Ida. Being from Australia I had to look up what a naglene bottle was.  Yes we have them here to but not by that name.  Anyway, is it alright to use one of those.  I normally drink on the way to work (1 hour each way) using a similar bottle but I was thinking because we aren't allowed to use straws that these bottles might be the same.  So it's obviously okay or is it only after a certain period of time.