Question:
HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE 14DAY DIET BEFORE SURGERY

HI,I WAS SUPPOSED TO START MY 14DAY PRE-OP ON LABOR DAY,WITH ONLY 4-5OZ,3 TIMES A DAY. IWAS DOING OKAY BUT IT IS VERY HARD I ATE BREAD,AND A LITTLE SODA,NOW I AM SO UPSET WITH MY SELF,DOES THIS MEAN THAT I AM GOING TO BE A FALURE AFTER MY SURGERY ON SEPTEMBER 19,I JUST BE SO HUNGERY,CAN ANYONE GIVE ME SOME KIND OF ADVISE ON WHAT TO DO,THANKS.    — wanda A. (posted on September 7, 2005)

September 6, 2005
You will NOT be a failure post-op because you're having trouble with this. Personally, I could never have managed with that little food pre-op. If we could all do that, why in heaven's name would we need surgery? It's a world of difference afterwards. Do your best, but your success will depend on how well you follow the program as a post-op, not how well you can manage to starve yourself pre-op.
   — mom2jtx3

September 7, 2005
You are going to be OK after surgery. Don't feel guilty because you had a soda or a piece of bread. There's nothing to feel guilty about. You maybe experiencing "head hunger" at this point. I know that I had one last big meal before my surgery and I am doing fine. I'm not saying that starting this new way of life will be easy, but with will power and strength YOU WILL overcome your old eating habits:) God bless you as you begin a new life and see ya on the losing side!!! LAP-RNY 6/16/05 292/225
   — LilaDove

September 7, 2005
Wanda, you will do just fine after surgery. My friends (one male and one female) each had a "last" meal before their surgery with all the trimmings. I, on the other hand, was sick as a dog ten days before and could taste nothing. Boy, was I mad, I tell you. I could not believe I was not going to be able to taste my last meal. The truth is that before surgery everyone tells you lots of stories about what you can and cannot do FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. From my point of view, having lost 140 pounds, at goal, no regain, 2+ years out, I am as normal as they come. I can eat anything. What this surgery has done for me is not let me WANT for many things because it either does not feel good, it doesn't make me feel good, or I just simply don't like it anymore for whatever reason. I used to pray to have been born that way, which is the way skinny people were born. Sooooo, all I can say is that after the surgery, when you have lost all your weight, when the dust finally settles, you will be a normal person, with normal tastes, with normal triumphs and failures, just like all of them, ONLY SKINNY. Get my drift? Hugs to you and don't worry, if you want it bad enough, you will get it. YOU WILL NOT BE A FAILURE, BECAUSE YOU DON'T WANT TO BE. Missy, RNY 2003, currently at 125, size 4, from 268 size 24. LOVE-IT!!!!
   — Missy H.

September 8, 2005
Hello Wanda, I just want give you my tidbit on my experience with the pre-op diet. Well this is how my surgeon and dietian explained it to me, this diet helps in the shrinking of the liver as the liver is kinda situated on top of the stomach. So when they go in there they don't have to move the liver around so much they have you on a low carb diet (they did me). Also its a good thing to get used to the idea of using that 4 oze container or a 1/2 cup measure as that is what its going to take. I guarintee you will be full with about 2 to 3 ozes for a couple monthes, heck I am going on 5 monthes out and I can eat about 3 ozes of solid food and I am full, if I have anymore I willbe throwing up. I am getting that under control though, I have learn a couple tricks and have to watch what I eat still. For soda, I would deffently STOP now for sure! I have been told that if you drink soda after WLS that it may stretch your pouch, and you don't want that to happen. Also everyone was talking about "The Supper" well I did not get to have one. As I concentrated on shrinking my liver and I was on the low carb diet for the last 2 years anyways. The only thing I had a couple days before was a peanut butter and jellie sandwich. I kinda miss my bread, but I do not crave food anymore it is so amazing how this surgery changes things. Infact I have to remind myself now to eat. I usaully get up in the morning now and have a protein shake and a cup of coffee and take my vitamins and I am good to go. Then I have to have my water bottle with me all day. and I am good to go. I have learned to set my alarm on my palm pilot for noon and a mid-day snack about 3 pm and then dinner about 6 or 7 pm. Hope that helps you out and wishing a speedy recovery and we will see ya on the melting side. Tom
   — TOM A.