In The Beginning......

So... here I stand at the beginning line of this marathon. I am wondering what went through your minds at this point... as I wait for my sugeon's office to call. I feel excited and anxious to have the surgery done. I feel like it can't happen soon enough!

What would you recommend that I do to prepare for the surgery. Do I go and buy certain foods that I will need post surgical.... any foods work better for you than others....

How did you deal with buyer's remorse? Does the pain create that, or hunger, or what was it for you?

I hope you don't mind me asking these questions. I appreciate any feedback and help you could share with me.

Thanks so much!    Marcia

         

My surgery is on for the 19th of November.  For the last two months I have been training.  I have started taking my supplements on a timed schedule.  I gave up restaurants.  I gave up sugar and wheat.  I started exercising and I started drinking between 80-100 oz of water daily(sipping). 
In two months I lost 22 lbs and that was not my goal.  My goal was to start the necessary habits to be successful at this surgery.  I feel ready and confident.

I know we each must find our own path and this was mine.  Hope it helps.

I wish I had starting walking or doing water aerobics to be more flexible and a bit stronger before surgery.

About the only thing I would stock up on is bottled water as it goes on sale.  It will save you hauling it in when you aren't supposed to lift.  A couple of boxes of sugar free popcicles, a few pre made jellos.  Other than that wait until you get the info from your office.

Keep coming back with more questions.  Loris

Marcia~
    Congrats on making this tremendous decision to change your life.  I was in your position not long ago.  I remember getting my date made it so real and exciting.  I found that I got more anxious and nervous in the week before surgery and I am not an anxious person.  I found that I needed someone to just talk to and sometime cry.  Then all of a sudden the day before my surgery and the morning of my surgery I was fairly calm and really trusted my team.  Just breath and keep your goal in mind.
    As for what to have ahead of time I found that I did not like the taste of canned broth so ended up straining regular soup watered down and using bullion.  And one can lasts for several meals.  I also did not buy a lot of protein powders because everyone said your taste change and that is true.  I did get some unflavored protein to add to things like Jello, broth and juice.  I tried Unjury and Beneprotien (Walgreen's on-line). Both work and have minimal flavor in other things.  Warning thou don't put it in anything really hot because it curdles.
    I only had brief moments of buyer's remorse and they passed very quickly.  Now it is more worrying that I might fail at this but I am working on that.  I also feel that finding a good counselor is very worth while because this is a surgery on our stomachs not our brains.
    Anyway this is just my opinions and experiences, take what you can from everyone on the boards and find what works for you.  Congrats again and never hesitate to ask questions on the boards and keep us updated. 

~Melissa

Hi Marcia!

What an exciting time, that's how I remember my time before surgery. I wasn't nervous until they were wheeling me into the OR, and that only lasted a few minutes.

I've never once had buyers remorse. I've been one of the complications Queens, but it would never stop me from doing it all over again if need be. This was the second best thing I've ever done for myself.

Stock up on bottled water when it's at great sale prices, you'll be drinking lots! As for what you should stock up on, it's hard to say. Each Dr is different in their plans for you so find out what they require.

Vitamins are a must and some sort of chewable's are the best for us. I took Bariatric Advantage at first but quickly tired of the flavors. Now my new love is Celebrate Vitamins!

If you can make up some homemade broths and freeze them, they taste so much better than canned! I'll never forget my Mom making homemade chicken broth for me, it had so much more flavor!

Buy some individual small containers and get different protein samples to try out, but like everyone says your tastes will change. Don't over buy now!!!

Best wishes to you and remember we're here for you!