Question:
What can I do now...

I have one week until I see the surgeon again. I was suppose to begin losing weight and the scale hasn't moved. Any ideas out there on how I can at LEAST get 5 lbs down before April 7? I am afraid I will be sent home and try some more, I don't know what else I can do. Thank you.    — Elizabeth .. (posted on March 30, 2003)

March 30, 2003
Hi! You didn't say if you were pre or post-op. Three weeks before my surgery, I completely cut out drinking soda and drank strictly 64oz of water a day. I lost 11 pounds doing that.. not even dieting or exercising. Good Luck!
   — Deena C.

March 30, 2003
Elizabeth, are you pre op or post op? If your pre op i would keep a food journal of everything you eat and along with that an exercise journal. I did that for a couple months when i was pre-op. I was on xenical and it helped me alot to know what i was eating and being able to show the doctor kept me on track. If your post op i would recommend the same, keep a exercise journal, along with the food journal. I just wrote the times i ate and exercised with what i ate and what exercises i did. It helps you stay on track. Also, water water water. You will feel better no matter if you are post or pre op if you drink the recommended amt of water each day. I throw some ice in a cup with some lemon slices like you would do at a restaurant and good to go. Keep refilling it. I would really watch calories if your preop, depending on how much you weigh. I was 271 when i went on my last diet and i ate 1500 cals per day and no more then 30% of your calories from fat. I try to follow the 30% rule still since low fat is healthier and doctor said i should. I dont know that you will loose 5 lbs by then since i was loosing 3lbs a week before. It will take alot of work but if you keep the journal you can show your doctor what you are eating and exercising and he/she probably wont send you back home because of that. It shows effort atleast. Good luck
   — rachel W.

March 30, 2003
I am pre-op, thank you for the responses. Rachel, I love your idea of taking in a food journal, I will get busy on that today. I have been drinking at least 100 ounces of water per day and exercising too! Hopefully it will go down some before my appt. Thanks!
   — Elizabeth ..

March 30, 2003
Most everyone carries at least that much in water weight alone. Don't eat ANY salt, watch sodium content like a hawk, drink a TON of water. Are you already on a diuretic like Lasix? If not, there are OTC pills for water retention. Then if you're still a pound or so short make sure you don't eat or drink anything before you see the doctor. Go potty right before you see him. And if he weighs you with clothing on wear something VERY lightweight and take off your shoes. If you can do those things you should be able to make it through your appointment next week. Good luck!
   — Shelly S.