Kaiser PRE-OP CLASS question

Hi, guys! Only two classes left.  At this point I feel pretty much mentally prepared, even though I haven't been too successful at developing the habits they want you to have.  I am eating a LOT slower and cutting portions, I've cut out caffeine, rarely eat sugar, and I'm carrying around and drinking plenty of water.  But the chewing everything to soup consistency - not happening, and while they say you should be exercising 30 minutes every day, I'm really only doing about 15 minutes on weekdays.  I'm also terrible about keeping the journal.  I just hate to do that kind of stuff - don't like writing by hand, or trying to think of things to talk about - I've compromised by logging my food intake and exercise at thedailyplate.com.  I also haven't really lost much weight - just a pound.  So my question to those who have been through the class:  If you haven't lost any weight during the class, do they reckon that you're not complying and turn you down?  Thanks! Lisa

Hi Lisa, I am also a Kaiser WLS patient, but haven't started the pre-op classes yet.  BellaLuna (aka Susan) recently had the VSG done by Dr. Metz (who sounds like the surgeon you will be using). She may not be able to answer your specific question, but she has been kind enough to answer some of my queries about her experience.  Also, her profile filled in some of my questions. Hope this helps, Fred

Thanks!  I'll try PMing her.  How far along are you in the process?  When did you put in your application?  Good luck with all of it, and keep me posted. Lisa

Hey Fred,      I'm glad to answer questions regarding my experience, or Dr. Metz, but unfortunately, I'm not a Kaiser patient, so I can't be of much help there.  Hopefully I can chime in on some other topic. Susan

Thanks!  So what was pre-op and post-op like with Dr. Metz.  The gals running the class say that we're expected to do 3 days pre-op on liquids?  What's your diet plan like after?  Good to have this info going in! Thanks again! Lisa

The three days pre-op was pretty rough, but it was short.  It was clear liquids.....sugar free Jell-o, sugar free popsicles, broth, etc.  I also bought some of those protein bullets that everyone talks about.  They count as a clear liquid.  They aren't great, but at least they give you some energy.   Let me know if you want some before your surgery.  I bought way too many!  As for my diet plan afterwards,it's amazing how different all the doctors are.  Dr. Metz said I could go straight to full liquids and pureed as soon as I got home from the hospital.  After two weeks you can move to soft foods for two more weeks.  I've been following this but kind of conservatively.  I've been reading the plans that others have posted on here, and kind of taking an average of all of them.   I hope that helps! Susan

Thanks!  I'm relieved about the full liquids.  Like you, I'll probably be cautious about pureed and soft solids, but I was pretty sure 2 weeks on clears was going to be hell.  LOL.  I have some bullets - got a set of samples, but maybe not enough for three days.  What kind do you have? I have to be careful about whey, because I seem to be sensitive.  I'm keeping it in mind for when I get constipated on the proteins.  Pretty sure it'd cure that problem.  LOL.  Metz's plan sounds a lot like the diet plan they have at Columbia university-  they actually have you eating pureed before you leave the hospital.  What about spices?  Have you heard anything about keeping away from those?  I was going to try my marinated chicken recipe, pureed, and see if I liked it, but it has lots of lemon and spice.  And I was thinking about pintos and cheese as one of my pureed meals, because I like Taco Bell.  Is that OK so soon after surgery? Thanks again! Lisa

I think spices are on an individual basis.  One week after surgery I tried a Wendy's chili that I put in the blender, and it didn't bother me at all.  Last night I tried some enchilada sauce mixed with refried beans and that didn't bother me either.    You might need to add some sauce  or broth to the beans to make them thinner.  Technically, in the pureed stage, you are supposed to be able to get them thru a straw.  I'm not sure about the lemons.  I've heard you need to watch citusy or acidic things for a while.  Like no raw tomatoes.  As for protein bullets, I have the Protica brand.  I thought I'd have to be on clear liquids a lot longer, so I bought a BUNCH of them.  But, when he said I could go right to pureed foods, those bullets don't sound so good anymore.  I used them before surgery and only for a couple of days after.  Seriously, if you run out, let me know! Susan

Will do!  Next time you pm me, we'll exchange phone numbers!  We can be each other's support group as we go through the process, how about that?  NO TOMATOES??????     Horrors!!!  You're probably right about the lemon.  Maybe I'll try making it with Olive Oil and Mrs. Dash without the lemon for awhile.  Probably nicer to the baby tummy.  Thanks!