The Musings of a Pre-Op Newbie...

So I got the call. I have my surgery date in writing... I think it's in writing... I'll have to double check that in the pile of papers I have...

I had my pre-op diet meeting at my Doc's office. There were three of us there. I made one new friend. Never mind he's young enough to be my son. That makes me feel old and I don't like to feel old. I signed papers promising things, agreeing to things, and accepting things... If they must change up the plans and slice me open, stem to stern, they now don't need to wake me up to ask my permission thank goodness (and I'll start checking out zipper tattoos just in case )

My doctor has a thing against Premier Protein, so I also spent a ton of money buying from his approved line of foods.. including things like  These fluffy white bars and This peach mango protein drink as well as This, in the cookies and cream flavor. With the exception of the Bariatric Advantage shake mix, all of the packaging at my Doctor's office is labeled only with his name, so it's hard to figure out who makes this stuff... I promised to use this, but I am also planning on using Premier Protein after a few weeks of being compliant. I really hate that he force feeds us foods with his name on the packaging... but I picked him and his rules, so now I shall abide  Oh yes, and no smoking... which is good since I gave that up a long time ago...

I went to the hospital yesterday and they took more of my blood, geesh we give out a lot of blood for RNY... I also had a chest xray, and an EKG. I really hope I have passed all of those, because that would really stink to not.

And, just because I like to keep it fun and exciting in my life I also ended my day with my second round of cataract eye surgery! The fun part of that was the liquid versed they fed me... the rest of it sucks, and I'm glad that's over... 

I start the often-whined-about pre-op diet on Friday. I'm really never going to whine about it here, because I know ya'll are just going to shake your head at me and talk about me on your side of the screen... and hey, I ASKED for this, right? I mean, if I can't follow a simple low carb diet for 7 days (I get real food for 7 days and then all liquid for 3), then I'm going down the wrong road.

I am nervous. I'm worried that I'm going to be the poster child that doesn't lose all the weight... I'd lie if I didn't admit to frowning a bit at the thought of loose skin after it's all over  I mean, I'm older... this is my 51K mile overhaul... it's not like I'm young and will have skin that bounces back to it's 20-something self... but I will deal with it, and just concentrate on all of the things I really want to do!

And on that note, I watched my Spouse and my close friend (who had RNY on NYE) do the Rugged Maniac 5K this past weekend... and I was so excited to be there, and felt all the energy of all those crazy souls drudging through that mud, that we all signed up for the one in October! WE... as in them and my fat aging butt! hahaha! So there's one of my first goals peeking out there waving at me 

I look forward to getting to know some of you here on this board. I think I'll start posting on the Food post each day, starting on Friday. 

And if there's anyone in the Oklahoma City area, you should let me know! Maybe we can meet up one of these days 

Thanks for letting me ramble 

Are the drinks only for the pre-op diet? I really hope so because post op you won't absorb that hydrolyzed gelatin protein in the peach mango drink worth a dern.  ( The Bariatric Advantage is a good choice post op though. ) FWIW, the dieticians at my surgeon's office aren't huge fans of Premier either. They prefer if we drink shakes, we use something that's whey protein isolate. A lot of people disagree with a surgeon forcing us to buy certain types of shakes. My surgeon had me use Optifast*pre-op, and I did-I was going to do whatever he wanted at that point. I don't regret it, and I've done fine post-op. The stats would be abysmal for post op use...I always found that funny for some reason.

Good luck with everything!

*Edited for clarity

Funny enough, those drinks (I actually got two flavors, both the same brand) are for the first week AFTER surgery! I'll likely not buy more of those... 

Yes, my NUT agreed that the whey protein isolate so I find it interesting that the drinks they suggested don't follow their own guidelines... I may question that with my NUT at my 'after' appointment.

Thanks! I'm excited! (I don't know when the "OMG, what am I doing?" will kick in... hahaha)

My "OMG" moment was the day after surgery. I had buyer's remorse big time. I hated life that day, but got through it. If I can do it, I think mostly anyone can.

I've heard/read about 'buyer's remorse'... I've warned my spouse to be ready for it! LOL

It should be unethical for surgeons to use their influence over patients to get them to buy their own private brand of food and supplements. That peach mango protein drink is worthless. If you are looking for a protein powder, I recently discovered Quest protein powder after trying about 25 different brands. It is hands down the best in my opinion, and the first ingredient is whey protein isolate, unlike Premier Protein. I hope your surgery goes well!

Thanks! I'll check out the Quest Protein powder... I know I'll be branching out from what they 'suggest', but for now I will be the good student and ordered their stuff. Once I'm on the other side, they can't make me anymore 

Quest has whey isolate in it, but is not 100% either. So really no better.

I signed a document that said I would never chew gum or drink alcohol ever again.  I don't believe it is legally binding, lol

No gum? I understand, perhaps, at first especially not chewing... but forever??!

My Doc says no alcohol for 90 days. I can handle that, and I will always be careful with the alcohol... I know a lot of WLS patients, and seems they all went a little crazy for a while with alcohol. Luckily they've all settled back down after a short binge.