Question:
Do other people start to diet and work out while waiting for surgery?

I am waiting for my surgery appointment right now. I'm wondering if others who are waiting now are still eating the same way they used to or are you starting to diet and trying to eat what you'll have to eat post-op? I am trying to eat what I'll have to eat post op partially because I want to get as healthy as I can before surgery and partially just to get used to it. But I am failing miserably and it's bringing me down. I know if I could do Atkins/protein shakes without fail, I probably wouldn't need the surgery to begin with, but it's still bugging me. Does this have anything to do with how I will be able to comply post op? Thanks for your feedback!    — Susan B. (posted on March 12, 2002)

March 12, 2002
I just had my first visit with my surgeon and he would like me to drop 20-50 lbs prior to surgery...he prefers to try to do lap rather than open when he can and dropping that weight will insure that I can have lap. I thought is was kind of an odd request since I'm having this surgery because I can't seem to get rid of the weight, but I'm willing to do what I have to do in order to make this surgery easier on myself. So, hitting the water, the high protein, low carb stuff now....and walking...it's all I can do as far as exercise and even that hurts my ankles and knees, but I'll try my best. Besides, every step takes me closer to the other side...I've had enought "last" meals, and they are all still SHOWING!! LOL!
   — Wendy C.

March 12, 2002
hi susan, you didn't give your bmi.... if you are really close to the 40 mark, i wouldn't recommend losing any weight. you don't want to bump yourself out of insurance contention.
   — DEE DEE M.

March 12, 2002
Susan don't be so hard on yourself! There is no way you can live the postop life preop! What I did that I think made things easier for me is: Stop drinking sodas, eat more protein, start trying protein shakes to find a few that are tolerable, start exercising moderately, do moderate weight training using arms, legs and abs to prepare for surgery, and look at all those clothes you will soon be able to wear! You will find that postop is a whole 'nuther ball game and "sticking to the program" is not as hard as it is preop. Believe me I have been on enough 2-week-then-to-heck-with-it diets in my life! Anything you do preop is a little boost but don't beat yourself up if you aren't wildly successful. That will come later!
   — ctyst

March 12, 2002
My doctor requires that you lose 10% of your weight before surgery, JUST make sure that your surgeon, or whom ever is doing your insurance paper work using your start weight and BMI. After I lose my 10%, I will be on the border line of the Insurance companies requirments, but my doctor is using my starting BMI & weight.
   — Kimberley D.

March 12, 2002
My Doc required weight loss prior to surgery so I lost about 11 pounds. I think it is good to try to eat healthy but I wouldn't be too hard on yourself. If you can start walking a little bit it will help your recovery and make it easier for you post op.. I think if we can make this a choice rather than a something I should do it makes it easier. good luck! Kathy
   — kathleen S.

March 12, 2002
It's interesting that this question appeared today... I was just thinking last night that in the last couple of weeks since I made the decision to have the surgery (when financially able), that I have now become more conscious of my eating habits. I've been researching WLS for a few months now. But it's as if now that I KNOW in my heart that this is what I want to do, I'm preparing myself as much as possible. Right now I'm even thinking I don't feel the need to have a "Last Supper" (don't quote me on that though, nerves may change that pre-op. LOL) I guess what I can tell you is that I am doing the following: drinking more water, watching the fat grams, when I have the cookie craving it is now only 3 instead of the whole package, eliminating caffeine and just getting out of the house more. It may not seem like much but believe me, it is for me! Don't put pre-op pressure on yourself. Just keep reading and researching, supporting others, and the rest will follow that much easier. I wouldn't stress about doing anything big (expensive) like Atkins...take the small steps first. Good Luck, Anna
   — Anna L.

May 31, 2002
I'm glad to know that i'm not the only person wondering about this.I have been researching everything I can about the WLS for the past month,and all of a sudden I realized that I had lost 10 lbs.I have cut back on pop,and sweets without really thinking about it,now when I do crave them,I get sick to my stomach from the sugar.Has anyone else went through that??maybe it's a good thing for me,since i'm a sugar addict...thats why I wanna have this WLS.....I think one time of dumping would be enough to stay clear of it for good!! Not to mention the pounds disappearing.......lol Good luck to everyone,can't wait til I have a date of surgery to announce.......
   — kim M.

May 31, 2002
I did. I started out at a BMI of 44.8. After seeing the nutritionist, she told me that I must be consuming more than 4000 calories a day to maintain my weight. I looked at her like she had three heads. There was no way I was eating 4000 calories a day. However, after thinking about it i was DRINKING the majority of my calories. I am ALWAYS thirsty and I know it sounds so "duh" but I never realized how many calories I was consuming through juice and soda. I stopped all carbonated drinks and juices and lost nearly twenty pounds without much effort before surgery. Then after a few more "tweaks" to my diet, including increasing exercise, I lost an additional 11 for a total loss of 31 pounds before surgery. My surgeon was pleased and my BMI was just under 40 and it had no effect on MY insurance coverage. Yours may be different so please do check. I just felt that I needed to make the necessary changes before surgery to prove that I was committed to following my surgeons post op orders. I make no judgements on anyone elses decision but for me it was the right thing to do. Now I am 10 days post op and yesterday I had my first post-op visit with the surgeon and guess what? I lost 17 more pounds! WOW! I nearly cried right there in his office I was so happy.
   — Suzanne F.