And so it begins.......

Yesterday, I had my nutrition class and psych exam. Today, I met my surgeon (I should say, one of my surgeons...he and his associate will operate on me at the same time). Not sure how I really feel about him. He seemed a little stunned that I have already learned so much about WLS and I am committed to my choice to have the VSG procedure. I just didn't feel completely comfortable with him and I think I would rather see his associate (who I originally wanted in the first place). After my meeting with the surgeon, I met with the bariatric coordinator and discussed my 3 month physician supervised diet. I left the surgeon's office, had a bite of lunch, and headed straight to my primary care physician to start my 3 month diet. My doctor has put me on the Atkin's diet which is kinda crazy because the surgeon suggested that I start Atkin's as well. Has anyone else been put on this too? My doctor said that he didn't like the whole calorie restrictive thing so, he put me on a carb restrictive diet. Very well. In other good news, he told me my TSH is now where he wants it to be...yay (it has only taken a year )

Anyway, I have started my diet and I cannot wait to finish these 3 months and get everything submitted to insurance. I pray that I do not have any hassle from them and I get a surgery date scheduled soon after following their guidelines.

Oh, and my husband is finally back home from an out of state conference that he has been at all week. I am glad to have my biggest fan back with me again.

In closing, I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions of how I can best prepare myself for surgery in the next 3 months. I would love some advice from those who have already been there.

Much love to all!

~ Jen

Congratulations on starting your journey.
I would do 3 things to start getting yourself ready for post op.

****First, I would set up your tracking software (I use myfitnesspal) and track everything you eat. While your drs. aren't worried about calories, you might want to see the cal, protein and carb. Plus it will get you in the habit.
****Second, I make sure you get in 64+ oz of fluids per day. May take you awhile to work up to that but it's going to be very important.
****Third, I would carve out some time each day (even 20 min) for some exercise if you don't already.  Even a short walk at lunch time.

Those are my suggestions. Good luck to you.

My primary care physician also suggested a low-carb diet, in general, not just for surgery patients. In another post today I talk about my problems with hunger after surgery. I credit the low-carb diet for the 40 pounds I've been able to lose so far, since I have not been restricting my eating as much as I thought I would be forced to (the main cause of this is hunger).

I was on the Atkins diet too. Lost 28 lbs preop. Focused on salads and protein shakes. Best thing you can do now is practice your new lifestyle in advance. Agree that journaling foods, tracking on my fitnesspal, getting in your protein cutting down the carbs and calories and exercising. It will be tough because that old ghrellin will still be kicking in from your soon to be departed stomach but you can do it. Keeping occupied both physically and mentally really helped me preop and has expecially helped me post op. Hope this helps GL on your preop journey and let me know if I can help in any way. Got a place staked out for you on the losers bench.

Your friend

RIch