Question:
Now that im 68 days from surgery what should i be doing

to prepare my body and mind before surgery?    — lalulan (posted on March 19, 2003)

March 19, 2003
the best thing for you to do right now is try not to focus so much on the surgery and keep yourself busy or you will go nuts. Been there, done that. This has a tendenacy to consume you. Try not to let it.
   — Delores S.

March 19, 2003
Don't go through the last supper syndrome before your surgery. That is my one regret-I thought for sure I would never be able to have my comfort food again after surgery, so I spent a good two weeks before surgery eating fast food every day, and cheesecake, chips and candy etc. Must have gained a good 10 pounds, and here I sit, 13 months post-op, struggling to get off the last 10, and able to eat anything I want. If I had not gone hog wild those last two weeks, I would be at goal.
   — Cindy R.

March 19, 2003
Cindy is right, try not to gain weight that you'll have to lose later. Also, if you're able to, start exercising -- walking is something they'll push you to do ASAP after surgery (to avoid blood clots, pneumonia, etc.). If you go into surgery having been more physically active than you were before, you'll be stronger for the recovery!
   — Suzy C.

March 19, 2003
68 days out gives you plenty of time to start excercising!!! Walk, walk, walk, walk, walk. Then after surgery it will be a habit you will be glad to get back to. Also, now is a good time to start reading food package labels if you already aren't. Notice calories, fat grams, protein, and iron in everything you put into your grocery cart. You will find that you'll be amazed at what's in the foods you've been eating. Get in the habit now of putting something in the cart you shouldn't, think about that label, and put the package back on the shelf!!! Hit the produce counter. Fill up your cart with fresh vegetables and loads of fruit. Cut out the fatty meats and start experimenting with chicken and turkey. Cut your food small, small, small. About the size of a pencil eraser for starters. And chew, chew, chew. Make those 2 new habits and moving from liquids to softs to "real" food will be a breeze for you. I was eating (teeny, tiny bits of spareribs, macaroni and cheese, and lima beans 7 days after surgery and walking 1 1/4 miles 6 days out. Take the advice and don't pig out!!! That is exactly the behavior you are changing. No excuses. No Last Suppers!!! Good luck and good health!!! :)
   — katie-mae