Question:
Is there ever a time...
when you can stop spending every waking hour worrying about: am I getting in enough liquids? am I getting in enough protein? am I getting enough vitamins and calcium? From everything I have been reading on here and from what my nutritionist and dietician tell me, it seems that we have to spend our entire day counting 80 oz of liquid (water, etc), making sure we take enough vitamins and calcium, making sure we eat the correct foods in the correct amounts, making sure we take our stool softeners so we don't get constipated, etc, etc, etc. It just seems like all of that begins to consume our every waking hour. I am pre-surgery (lap band) and am getting somewhat overwhelmed by all of this.... help! — MzScarlet (posted on January 27, 2010)
January 26, 2010
Hi Marinell,
I too worry about the same thing. I'm 4 wks post op from RNY gastric. I
was told that the Dr. will run blood work, I'm thinking at my next visit
that shows if you have any vitamins that you need (iron,calcium etc.) as
far as the water, I was told 64 oz min per day so I bought 2 32 oz bottles
which means I need to drink 2 per day (makes it a little easier) but
sometimes I struggle as I didn't like water to start with. It'll get
better when you just find a routine that works for you. I always took
vitamins but only once a day so I bought a 4x a day pill box & trying
to remember to take these at different times of the day. We all struggle
with a routine change so just hang in there. Best of Luck with your weight
loss.
— 3decks
January 27, 2010
I'm a little over 7 months post-op and at first it is over-
whelming, but it gets much easier. It will just become a
way of life and you won't even think about it. Also, to get
all your fluids in count everything that you drink not just
water. If you drink decaf. coffee, count that also and your
protein drinks. Good Luck! You can do it.
— slcompton
January 27, 2010
It does pretty much consume your day. I think you shouldn't worry or start
for it to become obessive, but you do need to be aware of the liquids you
take in. I know only about the RNY because our nerves that control hunger
have been cut during surgery, so we do forget to eat or drink. But it is
important that you get in enough fluids otherwise you will become
dehydrated and end up in the hospital stuck with IV's and bloodwork won't
be good if you don't follow directions. It is pretty hard in the beginning
but it won't always be like that. It will eventually become second nature
to you. If you have your vitamins in a pill holder and just use that as
you take your pill/vitamins each day, that makes it easier to manage. I
used a 64 oz protein mill/shaker and had a sports bottle for water. They
have the ounces on them. So if I drank only a small amount of water then
the rest of the liquids can come from the 80-90 grams of protein. (however
you want to do it) Don't read too much information on other websites or
you will get really confused. I just stuck to this one. Take in a little
at a time. One step at time. Don't look at the whole big picture or you
will become overwhelmed. It is natural to feel this way, that is why I
suggest you take one step at a time. Hope this helps.
— Kristy
January 27, 2010
Thanks for all the advice. Oh, another thing I failed to mention about all
the "routines" we have to follow. My dietician told me not to
drink anything for 15 min prior or for 1 hour after a meal. That is
another thing I am struggling with (and I say struggling because when I
expressed my concern to her about whether I would be able to do that, she
said "Start practicing now")
— MzScarlet
January 27, 2010
Be encouraged! This is something that you are doing for yourself, to better
your health. Doctors and nutritionists are important, and you need to do
what they are telling you to do. But everyone's body is different. There
will be a time of adjustment and recovery after your surgery. Try to give
yourself time to adjust, and learn what works for your body. Make your
Health you number one goal, weightloss will be a natural by-product of
healthy eating, exercise and a good mental attitude! I have had my band a
little over a year, and I was not able to get it adjusted for most of that
time, so I am kind of starting over. I have lost 50lbs and I am once again
working towards my goal. Slow and steady wins the race! You can do this!
The band is a tool, it is not a miracle! You are the one that must
incorporate the band, healthy eating habits, regular exercise and a
paradigm shift in your attitude towards food. Stick with your aftercare,
stay focused and realize that change takes time! Good luck on your journey,
and don't miss out on the joy of the journey! You are doing something great
for yourself! Blessings.... Bruce
— brucekw
January 27, 2010
I am 2-1/2 months post lap RNY, I don't think I spend much time thinking
about what I'm supposed to eat or drink. I figured it out in the first
month, have made minor adjustments as I am able to eat more types of foods,
and then pretty much follow a similar pattern every day. My post-surgery
has been a lot more simple than I had expected. Best success to you.
— Janell C.
January 27, 2010
It is a lifestyle change and when you do, it all becomes routine after a
while. At first your life pretty much revolves around getting in fluids,
planning & journaling your meals, taking supplements, etc. But these
are good, healthy habits that are going to help you achieve your goal of a
normal weight and longer life. Keep reminding yourself of why you are doing
this and the transition will be easier. Good luck to you on your surgery!
— Arkin10
January 27, 2010
HI,
I just finished my first week of the pre op diet for lap band. You're
right, its overwhelming, but this is a lifestyle change. Nothing comes
easy and everything must be learned. The hardest part for me is learnig to
slow down when I eat and chew, chew chew. And the surgeon is right,
practice now. Once the surgery is over.. you're not alone. You can always
go back to the nutritionist or surgeon or support group for help. Relax
and try to enjoy this incredible journey you're on...best wishes
— kchooker
January 27, 2010
Hi
I picked up a little book called the diet and excercise journal by the
calorie king and I ordered th ecal counitng book I just write down what I
eat there is website as well if you prefer .I only had my lap band on Dec
8 and I have found by writing it down I know which foods I like higher in
protein. I bought a 32 oz bottle and freeze abit of water at night in and
add fresh water in the morning I sip on it all day then whne I sit to watch
TV at night I take a smaller bottle and fill it with ice water and sip on
it until bed time this has an added bonus by preventing me from snacking at
night which I found just gave me heart burn. Take a muiltvit a day calcium
60mg with vit d once in the morning and once at night. I really do not feel
like I am counting all the time now maybe it is a little easier with the
lap band.
— Figler5
January 28, 2010
I think after a while it becomes a part of your everyday and you don't have
to think so hard about it. Your body and mind get used to this new
rewiring and it becomes natural. Of course there are times when you have
to put yourself back on track, but it becomes your new life!. Change won't
happen overnight, but if you do what your surgeon and nutritionist have
suggested, your worries shouldn't be as great. Remember not only was being
overweight bad on your health, but STRESS is not any better! (Wish I could
practice what I just preached about the sress)...ugh..
— C. Barnes
January 28, 2010
All I can say is that once you get into a routine, it won't be so
overwhelming. Make it a daily routine. At first it will be difficult, and
you might not be able to do it all perfectly at first, but ease into it,
and you will notice a change in your body and the way you feel. You will
get to where you notice if you missed getting all your protien, or all of
your water, or you had to skip your exercise two days in a row. You will
notice it doesn't feel right, that you feel kind of antsy or nervous or
dehydrated. This new routine is to keep your body machine in optimal
working condition. You would never run your car without enough oil, or
with flat tires, well you need to look at your body the same way. Good
Luck!
— cydthekid50
January 29, 2010
This will pass with time. I had the surg (gastric) 4 yrs ago
next mo. It will consume you everyday and even yrs later to be successful
make sure it is ALWAYS on your mind that this is a LIFETIME OF CHANGE not
temporary. I was 250 lbs the day
of surg lowest 130..now 164 goal 135-140 by June. The feeling will go
away gradually but it is worth it!!
— ezbnmeroe
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