Pre-Op Diet to Start Wednesday INSPIRATION NEEDED!

Fall greetings; it is 77 degrees in Chicago in LATE October!  I am loving the Indian Summer!  I hope this doesn't mean winter will go on through May. 

My surgery is 2 weeks from Wednesday, so my pre-op diet starts Wednesday.  I haven't been successful with much weight loss up til now.  I've only lost about 3 lbs over the 3 month waiting period.  I lost 10 lbs earlier this year, and for some reason I feel like it's MUCH MUCH harder to loose more.  I hope my surgeon won't freak out about this, and not perform the surgery.

I am ready for the surgery to happen, but I keep feeling like I should eat certain things b/c I won't be able to have them again.  I am sabotaging myself; I guess my nerves are getting the best of me.

If you have any inspiring words, I really need them.  THANKS!

Its very common to want go through the "Last Supper" process.  Some do it for a week, some do it for a day.  I did treat myself to one "Last Supper" - AND it was BEFORE my pre-op diet...

What does your Pre-Op diet consist of?  Seems each surgeon has different ideas... Mine just wanted me to do an Atkins type for a week prior.  Some wants only fluids...

I think our NUTS want us to think we'll NEVER eat those things again - but that's so far from the truth its funny.  During your active weight loss phase you are learning your good eating habits - what you'll need to do for life.  BUT - you WILL be able to eat the foods you love again some day - and we call it moderation over deprivation.  Some say "be good 85% of the time and the other 15% you can splurge some".  But, you really shouldn't be experiementing with that until you reach your goal. 

I know nerves and the fear of the "unknown" can get to you - hang in there dear - this will be the ride of your life and you'll be SO glad you did it!

I totally agree with jody. I had alot of last suppers. It was like I wanted to eat "them" 'one last time'.  Kinda felt like I was saying good bye to them. The only thing I still wish I had, was the pumpkin pancakes from IHOP..still kinda mourning them.

Hang tough, Chicago. The ppl on here are great and are very encouraging and informative.

I, too, am hitting the "freak out" stage.. feeling kinda emotional lately and dont really know why. Figure its my minds way of dealing with things.

I had the the "last supper" syndrome too...don't worry about it, enjoy.  I too was on an Adkins type diet for 3 wks pre-op and cheated some, and still lost amost 20 lbs!!!!  Not sure what type diet your Dr. will have you on. I think I would have had a much harder time if it had been liquids....but you can do it, whatever it is!!!  And you can have your favorites again, like Jody said, before too long, even though it will have to be in moderation.  Your pouch will help you a lot with this, and you probably won't even want many of the foods you did before, or at least I didn't.  I am 6 months out and I use to just about live on chips and ice cream.  I have tried ice cream 2-3 times, just a few bites, and it has lost it's appeal/taste!!!  Yeah!!! But go figure.  Same with chips...though I still like them, 6-12 really satisfy me.  I use to LOVE pizza and could eat 1/2 of a lg one by myself.  Now pizza is o.k. sometimes and one piece is plenty.  Some folks are fairly rigid and don't eat these "forbiden" foods ever again, or at least until they reach goal.  That didn't seem realistic for me.  I am down 72 lbs in less than 6 months.  You will undoubtly have to find your own path, and see what works for you, but it is doable!! Follow your program, like Jody said,  almost all of the time, and you'll be fine/successful.

You are in for a BIG learning curve, and it is kinda scary.  You will be different, your system will be different, and it will all be o.k., just adjustments.  But keep in mind, while we mourn the loss of certain foods, create new healthier eating habits/behaviors, it is all so worth it!!!

Hang tough, Chicago!!!  Your date will be here before you know it!!!

Mine is a two week liquid diet of protein shakes, chicken broth and sugar free popsicles. I think that's kinda ridiculous to expect someone to eat for 2 weeks, but, eh, what do I know.

I think it is rediculous too, but he's your doctor, so....not sure what to say, except try to follow his plan.  Best of luck, I mean it.  Hang out here and vent as much as you need to...we listen and will be supportive.  Sorry he isn't a little more like mine was.  I'm sure others may post yet, that were on your type of diet pre-op.  Hang in there.

I only lost 6 pounds in 6 months before surgery and my Surgeon was very happy. Do you have another weigh-in before surgery?   If not ENJOY....not because you aren't ever going to have it again but just because you want it!!  

Having a few things you really love isn't going to sabotage anything after surgery.  I still have regrets because my DD's and I were going to share a piece of Chocolate Fudge Cake from Max and Emma's and we just couldn't all get together and I wouldn't go with one of them missing.  It was something fun we all enjoyed together and I think that's what I regret more than the cake.  

McDonald's was my favorite before surgery and I could have picked any place I wanted to go for my "last supper" but I chose a 1/4 Pounder and Fries.  Sometimes I still go through the drive through and grab something, but I don't crave it like I did before and most of the time I don't even fini****  I have other priorities now....like fitting into my size 2 jeans or racing with my grandchildren....that's what I call FUN!!!

Not gonna lie to you, the 2 week liquid diet sucks!  But you can do it!!  Just keep your eye on the prize.  It does get you ready for after surgery, because you will be on liquids afterwards. (you wont care then).  By all means have your last meal...but you will be able to eat most of what you like now, just in moderation.  Good Luck!

 Cyd, you can do it... give it your all at least.  I only had a 1 day pre-op diet, which was the day before surgery, and I was crazy around noon!!!  But every surgeon has different regulations, and different ways of doing things, try to follow his rules as best as you can.  I will check on you, as you have done for me!!!   Also, NIGHTLINE did a segment on our surgery last night, and if you missed it, here is the link to watch it.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/188142/abc-nightline-mon-oct-25-2010

Hang in there.  We've all been there.  My pre op diet was only 1 week, but I was on nothing but clear liquids.  That's right no protein shakes at all.  7 days of broth, s/f jello and popsicles then I had surgery and had another 7 days of the same clear liquids.  In my opinion though, it was the best thing I could/ve done.  By the time I had surgery I had all of the cravings out of my system and I didn't struggle with the head hunger after surgery.  Post op, clear liquids were just another day for me.  Just don't let the whole thing psych you out.  Do the best you can and move on.

Hang tough girl!!

Julie