Question:
I am 44 days pre-op, I am eating like crazy and feeling VERY nervous. Suggestions?
On one hand I am so peased to have a date that is getting close. But now I find myself eating like I will never eat again. I think it is nerves as I am really scared (but definitely want to proceed). I had hoped to work on eating differently and being "in good shape" for the surgery but I seem to be blowing it big time. Does anyone have some words of wisdom to offer? — Martha D. (posted on May 22, 2002)
May 22, 2002
I too am post op and have been gorging myself. Today, I have decided that
I am cutting all the soda and limiting foods to sugar free and more
protein. Are you taking any vitamin sups. Good luck
— marta B.
May 22, 2002
I didn't go crazy with food before surgery, but I did catch myself thinking
"I will never be able to eat this again!" And a year postop I am
here to tell you it was hogwash. I can eat almost anything. Very few
exceptions. I just eat less of it and it doesn't control my every waking
moment. I am sure you are feeling the stress of this major decision. Maybe
you can take control in another way: start preparing for the surgery. Try
out protein bars and drinks. Start your exercise program. Give up soft
drinks cuz you won't be able to drink them afterwards (although I do sneak
a sip every once in a while ;). Experiment with different herbal teas or
sugar-free drink mixes to help you boost your water intake. Go ahead and
have those "last meals," but don't be surprised if they don't
taste quite as good as you expected. I found that a lot of things I ate
before WLS really weren't that tasty at all. Now I am much pickier. If it
doesn't taste good, I don't eat it! Best of luck to you. Your day will be
here before you know it!
— ctyst
May 22, 2002
My Lap. RNY is tomorrow, and I had planned to eat everything In site, just
incase I could never eat it again. I did have a few yummy treats but what
kept me from really doing it in was the thought that it's just more weight
that I have to lose. In the past it has taken me a month or more to lose
8-10lbs. So every little bit I gain now is just prolonging my agony of
being overweight! I don't want to be in pain anymore, so the pre-op binging
just wasn't a good idea for me! Enjoy a few goodies, just incase, but DON'T
overdo it! GOOD LUCK! I'll see you on the other side!
— Tambi B.
May 22, 2002
i ate anything and everything in the 3 weeks i had from the time i got my
date until surgery. i gained 8 pounds in 3 weeks. yikes!! i know it seems
like you'll never be able to eat those foods again, but you will, just in
moderation. i'm only 20 days post op and tonight i had a few bites of pizza
(boy did i want more). i know the beginning is the time to baby our new
bellies, but i wasn't going to pass up something that i really wanted. i
ate it in moderation, took a few bites and was satisfied. good luck to you
for your upcoming surgery...
— candymom64
May 22, 2002
You are so normal! Only words of wisdom I'd give you is "keep tums
close at hand". when I was waiting for surgery I ate all of my
favorite foods and it seemed each time I would get terrible heartburn. By
the time I had my surgery, I didn't want any more of anything! Eat now so
you can mentally let go of your food after your surgery. Being MO means
you are not in good shape and nothing you do in 44 days will make you in
shape physically, so get prepared mentally! Eat your favorite foods so you
can mentally know you had them and you will again in a few weeks or months.
Eat the whole dinner this time and know that after your surgery you'll
take home what you can't eat! You will do great!
— blank first name B.
May 22, 2002
I, too was doing this for a while. What I decided to do was make a list of
things I know will be a bad idea for me to eat post-op. Then I went out
every weekend and had one or two of the things on my list. In this way, I
felt like I could really say goodbye and good riddance to these foods which
have been my best friends and worst enemies for so long. And it also
helped to keep me from gorging myself, since I knew I was going to have
something I really liked every weekend. Hope this helps! =)
— Jennifer Y.
May 22, 2002
I gave myself permission to eat whatever I wanted prior to my surgery
(about 6 weeks prior). I didn't go extremely overboard but I ordered
deserts that I would have never ordered before and I did so without guilt.
I ate my favorite meal as my 'last supper' and I splurged a few times in my
morning breakfast - my favorite meal. Do I regret it now after surgery?
HECK NO MAN !! :) This new way of life will direct you in what you can or
can't eat. Yea, it's a few more pounds that you didn't have to have on
after surgery BUT WHO CARES? I mean - to me, 14 lbs. could come as easily
as the passing of flatulence....at 356 lbs. who cares? Go for it, babe -
you won't be able to after surgery. :)
— Lisa J.
May 22, 2002
I am 5 days pre-op. I am so excited. I can feel for you. I wasn't eating
consiously, but I caught myself eating everything in site. I was on a binge
and like you I was given my date way in advance. Just be careful I gained
15lbs and had to tell my self no more. I am however going out with my
husband and my cousins two nights before my surgery for one last big meal.
Good luck and may you time pass alot faster than mine did.
— Emile N.
May 22, 2002
im 4 weeks post op. i ate anything i wanted befor and glad i did. trust me
it will come off after. im 4 weeks and down 40#. so enjoy now.
— matt C.
May 22, 2002
Martha,
I certainly understand but I have something to think about. There are
surgeons who will not do the surgery if you've gained weight. I know people
where surgery was rescheduled last minute because too much weight was
gained. Many Dr.
s don't want to increase the risks. The more we eat the fattier our livers
get and this can be a hinderance to the surgeon. I have a friend who found
out the day before(the surgeon changed procedure)her surgery that if she
gained ANY weight what so ever the surgery was to be rescheduled. Luckily
she had lost 3 lbs(she thought she had gained as she just returned from
vacation). Anyway, she went thru a few hours of shear hell in thinking her
surgery wasn't going to happen. I would check with your surgeon and see
what he does or dsn't do. I would encourage you to start making small
changes. Best luck to you as you begin this wonderful journey!
— Linda M.
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