Stuff to stop doing now.

I am potentially looking to have this surgery (if all goes well) at the end of the year because that is when work is not as hectic. What would be some stuff I should start or stop to help me prepare? I don't smoke - quite 12 years ago. I appreciate all of the help. I know I need to start exercising and drinking lots more water. Thanks everyone!

Give up all carbonated beverages. Give up all caffeine so you don't go through withdrawals while you recover. Start now on a low carb diet to lose a little before surgery so it's easier to get past your liver and do it laproscopically. Other than that, looks good here. Hugs, Tonya

Thanks Tonya. I do drink soda - diet and sometimes regular. I have been trying to increase my water intake. I hear that with Kaiser you have to lose 5% of your weight before surgery.

Hi Kathy, well I'll try to be more prompt in answering some posts!! One thing, when you meet with the nutritionist (I assume in Springfield, Ilse) she will have you keep a food log. SIlly, but necessary for their requirements. Also, as you said, start exercising and increase your water. Also, pig out on all your favorite foods!! Ha ha, just totally kidding, please don't flame me!! That was really a joke. The other thing is to be real active on this, as well as other, boards. REsearch as much as you can. Ask questions, even ones that you think might be 'dumb'. I started going to a support group before surgery, and that was oh so helpful. I notice that you are hoping for Dr. Anez, and I know that tons of people who had him for surgery go to Fair Oaks for the support meeting. I always forget when it is so I can't tell you (Kathy or Dianna or some of the others can). It's on a Monday, and I think it's the first and third. But I could be wrong. Oh, and don't buy anymore clothes!! You will be out of the ones you're in, in no time!! Save your money. You know that you have to have six months with the nutritionist, so if you want the surgery at the end of the year you are doing good on time. But you have to have a couple of other appointments, one with a psy and one with an endocronologist. Both Kaiser doctors. And I don't know about Dr Anez since I had Dr. Lin, but it takes about a month or so to get the pre surgery appointments done so factor in that time. And also once you finish with the nut it has to be referred to a panel (which is really just a rubber stamp approval, but something they go through) and that can take awhile. So what I'm saying is don't wait too long to start the process. Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. Kathy, this surgery has changed my life. I am so thankful for it. I only wish I would have done it 20 years ago, but then, as my sweet husband points out, maybe the technology wasn't as advanced and 'it is what it is'. What a philosopher!! love donna

Thanks Donna! Will the Nutritionist referr me to the other appointments? I'm assuming she will since the Dr. I say said that she was who would start the process. I thank you for your help. Even Jan or Feb of next year would be ok. I'm sure I will have tons of questions as I go along about life after the procedure and the Kaiser process.

Hi Kathy, (and yes, you do have to lose 5% before surgery). I can't remember if Tonya mentioned this, but also start eliminating carbonated drinks. Okay, your doctor is the one that needs to refer you to the psy and the endocronologist. At least if I remember correctly. But you can have your first appointment with the nut and then she can confirm that. I am pretty sure the referral has to come from your doctor though. The nut just starts the process of the six month nut counseling. Good luck to you Kathy. donna

I had Kaiser too. 1. Tell your PCP you want WLS and ask for a referral to the Nutritionist. If your PCP says no to WLS don't worry, the Nutritionist can also refer you for that. 2. Your 1st visit with the Nutritionist, say you want to be referred for WLS. That sets it in motion and dictates the information she gives you from that first visit on through your 6th required visit. 3. Get the Nutritionist to give you the referral for the psych eval. 4. Start going to a WLS support group to fully understand what is involved. The INOVA FairOaks groups are really good. 5. Go to one of the free seminars that WLS doctors host to hear what the procedures are and hear other peoples questions. 6. After your 6th visit to the Nutritionist ask her to refer your case to the board. 7. While you wait for approval, call membership services and ask what surgeons are on their list who do WLS. If you want Anez, know that he only does the Open procedure. Dr Lin at GWU does Laproscopic which I believe is a better choice (if you are eligibie for it) because the procedure is less invasive (only 6 1/2" cuts) , the recovery is much shorter, and the risk of infection is less. They may have others now who also do Lap RnYs. 8. Start trying different protein supplements and chewable/liquid vitamins and calcium to see what you like. 9. To improve your over all chances of success: Stop Smoking. Stop drink caffine, anything carbinated and alcohol. Stop using aspartame and switch to Splenda Start using a baby spoon and fork to eat with to train yourself to take small bites Start drinking from a shot glass to train yourself to take small sips of liquid. Start some kind of exercise program I had my surgery 2 years ago at GWU with Dr Brody. I had a Lap RnY. I know know that Dr Lin would have been a better choice. Not that I had problems but that he does not offer any after surgery support. These things may sound like alot, but all of us have done it and you can too. I would do it ll over again. I got my health and life back. Like Donna, if you need Kaiser advise, email me offline. Cathy

Kathy, If you have quit smoking, you are in much better shape than some others in your phase of the process. You know there is a long list of things to try to phase out of your life before surgery. Carbonation, Caffeiene, Alcohol, Fried Foods, Sugar Let's talk about the things to START doing. Start researching excercise options. Find out if there is a Curves / YMCA / Gym / Rec Center near you. Compare the prices and what you get for your money. Your local mall might have a mall walkers group, find out when they walk. That's free! Start your food log. Try your food log on what you would consider a "normal" day. You didn't have birthday cake, and you didn't go out or anything. See what your intake looks like now. Remember you will have to keep and turn in logs, so if you get in the habit now, its easier. It also smacks you in the face "I ate ALL that?????" Start going through your clothes, organize them by Size. Don't throw anything out. Even if it is too big. You may swell after surgery or gain while you are struggling with the pre-op process. Definitely dont throw away anything that is too small. Put things in bags or boxes with the sizes on them, so you can find them when you need one. Start making connections. If your surgeon has a support group, or information sessions or anything like that, go. Take your husband. Ask questions, talk to other paitents, look at their scars. Take notes. If you haven't picked a surgical practice, find one or 2 that take your insurance and visit their support groups or open info sessions. Start making a binder or folder for your paperwork and information. I am the binder and tab queen, so every piece of paper, went in the binder filed under what it pertained too. Keep all the information you get from the surgeons and dieticians. Its too easy to loose that 1 piece of paper you really need to jump through your final hoop. Start testing products. If you dont already, you will have to take vitamins post op. Try the Flintstones and other things out on the market. Start tesing protein shakes, snacks, low carb items, etc. See what you can get where and how much things cost. If you aren't a member of a wholesale club like BJ's Costco or Sam's, join one. You can probably get things like your vitamins, calcium and protein at a discount. Start working on your "diet history". You will need to prove to the surgeon, and to yourself that you have really "tried everything". Write down everytime you tried slim fast, weigh****chers or whatever. How long did it last, how much did you loose? I had tried so many crazy diets, I had forgotten most of them! You have already started the first step, talking to your doctor about it. Just follow through, and be prepared for ANYTHING! Leland