Pre-op tips? (diet, supplements, exercise, etc.)

I have my pre-op class with Dr. de la Torre on Jan. 9th & will probably have my surgery in early Feb.

I was just wanting to get all your advice on things I should start doing/changing now to make things easier after surgery.

Do any of you have suggestions for getting my mind, body & spirit ready for this life changing event?  

Should I start/stop eating/drinking certain things, certain ways, at certain times?

Should I start taking certain supplements now to get my body ready for surgery?

I know I should start walking/exercising but haven't really started that yet.

Any advice and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!!

Melissa

My big think was getting off pop/soda caffeine.  I had my last pop in October 7 2003 and my WLS was was on November 17 2003.  I started drinking more decaf tea and crystal light and water.  Even though your taste might change after WLS you might want to start trying samples of protein shakes to see what ones you like better.  Good Luck,  Robin

Hi Melissa,

I am not a professional, but my Orthopedist told me that for a week or two prior to my having my WLS I should take extra Vitamin C (3000 mg daily) to help with not getting blood clots from surgery. He told me that if I was taking Vitamin K to stop that prior to the surgery too as that would have an adverse affect on my blood and healing. He said to exercise as much as possible too because I should get as healthy as possible before surgery. Curious I have never seen anyone else mention anything about these vitamin supps for pre-surgery on the boards... I trust him completely though so will follow his direction. Of course I also quit smoking. After all I am choosing HEALTH, right? Hope your surgery and journey go well.

 

Hey Melissa, Congratulations on your upcoming surgery!  It is so amazing and life-changing; things you've already been told, I'm sure, but just wait!    You'll be doing a real-life happy dance!!! Okay, good questions.  One thing my surgeon's nurse told me to do in the months/weeks before surgery was start drinking protein supplements.  She said protein assists in your body's healing process, and is very valuable.  She said to take a vitamin supplement daily, too, which I did.  She said you can build up iron stores that will last you for a long time.  What she didn't tell me was that iron needed to be taken separately from calcium, and WITH vitamin C, to be absorbed.  That's pretty important. Definitely start your walking, even if you can't go too far at first.  It really aids in circulation and helps prevent blood clots.  The sooner you start the better.  You'll heal faster, too. Some nice stretches after walking are helpful too, for your mobility and flexibility. Def. get off of cokes/diet cokes.  The more water the better, but crystal lite, special k protein water, etc., are good, too. Also, I was told that if I started using an ANTIBACTERIAL body wash the week before surgery, every day, that it would be helpful in fighting infection during and after surgery.  Walmart had a pretty inexpensive antibacterial body wash with triclosan as the germfighting agent.  It was blue and it smelled pretty good. I hope that helps!  God bless you! Steph

Here's my standard pre-op advice: 1. Start sampling protein shakes. Find a few you like - it can be a difficult process. 2. Elimate all carbonated beverages 3. Start vitamin shopping. You don't really have to start taking pre-operatively (although I doubt it would hurt), but just be sure you have them in the house. 4. Start eating all your meals at the table. No eating in front of the TV, or in the car -- free meal time of all distractions. 5. Join a gym, begin exercising, or have an exercise plan. Typically post-op all you are allowed to do is walk (usually for first 6 weeks), but have an exercise plan in mind. 6. Make sure you have your doctor's emergency phone numbers, just in case you get home & something isn't right ... 7. Start journaling - your food and feelings toward food. Good luck!!

Thanks for the pre-op list! I am curious though, why many say to cut out carbonated beverages BEFORE surgery. I understand why it is necessary after, however, if I am drinking non-caffeine soda before the big day, is there a problem?  Thanks, Jo

I am told carbonated beverages can expand your pouch.  I finally quit drinking pop 2 weeks ago today and I don't miss it. I enjoy Lipton Diet Citrus Green Tea.  I usually don't like tea at all but this was pretty good.  Also, your going to have to make changes.  Make this a test for yourself to see if you can do it.

Hello John, I want to thank you for the web page you linked on your profile page....very uplifting! I will refer to it when I am feeling fear & doubt about my upcoming surgery. I hope & pray you are scheduled for your surgery soon. Take care, jo 

No, you can consume them up until the big day -- but if you are trying to get used to the post op guidelines, then this is a big one --- a lot of people struggle with giving up soda.  :) 

Melissa- Congratulations on this step you're taking, it can truly be overwhelming. All good advice so far, I wish I had thought to try some of the protein beforehand, that would have avoided some waste!  Starting your vitamins/supplements if required after surgery is a good idea, to get into the routine and to boost your immune system in advance. Probably the best things I did beforehand: 1) cut out carbonated beverages and as much caffeine as possible. 2) stop eating and drinking at the same time (if your doctor requires this) 3) start carrying water bottles around with you to get into the habit of having water all the time. 4)Start collecting the foods that you will begin to eat after you're home from the hospital.  Don't get 'mass' quantities as they'll last a lot longer than you'll imagine right now.  I think that's the big stuff.  Good luck! Michelle