If you haven't been sleeved yet...

If you haven’t been sleeved yet…this might help.

Start conditioning yourself to survive on water and protein drinks about one week before. I did it for a few weeks, but it made me start getting tired of shakes sooner. (My doctor said I didn't need to do the prediet) You need to condition your body not to “Need" food as much, I started almost living on protein drinks and water for about 2 weeks before. Should have just been 1 week, because now, I’m getting sooo tired of the clear liquid diet.  I’m 10 days out and have lost 14 pounds so far and started to feel better about 3 days ago. I had a lot of pain and regrets the first 5 days, but after those days past, I started feeling better physically and mentally about my decision. Remember, this is a life changing event, there’s going to be some pain.

I'm going back to work on Monday, that will be 14 days after surgery, but I have a desk job that doesn't require me to be on my feet too much.

Good Luck with your Journey!
Sabrina

 Thank you for sharing!  I am having my surgery a week from today and I am nervous and excited all at the same time!!  I hope everything goes smooth for you!

Congratulations!  Good Luck to you as well! :)

This raises an important point. To be successful one must be mentally and somewhat physically for the surgery and thereafter. That means you must be prepared to change your relationship with food permanently. And you might as well start as soon as you make your decision to have surgery. I lost some pre op weight slowly by having a shake for lunch and being more reasonable in my food choices. Also did a little exercise. Didn't do a 2 week crash pre op diet which sounds unpleasant but took months to lose 17 lbs. But mostly it was mental - reminding myself of all the good meals I had eaten and that I had consumed enough chocolate for three lifetimes and that it was time to let go of all that for the sake of my health. And its always a good idea to get used to drinking lots of water even though it might be a little tough right after surgery. The more you prepare yourself by knowing what to expect and by letting go of food as your best friend, the better you will do.

so you did  the right thing by thinking in these terms and I know you will succeed. Good Luck. Diane

My Doc requires a 2 week liquid pre op diet so I guess I will be ready in that regard... I am trying to take small bites of food now and chew slowly, quite a difference from wolfing my food down as I normally do... Good luck to youl, sounds like you are coming along fine!!

I agree. I don't have surgery till July. But once I made the choice to have surgery I know I had to start changing for life. I drink protein shakes, eat protein forward meals. I've reduced the size of my meals. The other night I actually said no thank you to ice cream with my family, when my hubby and 2 year old daughter still enjoyed it. Usually when my 2 year old hands me a milkshake I take a few gulp, but not the other night. I haven't had any fried food in 2 weeks either. It's amazing I lost 10 pounds already. My surgeon requires 1 week liquid diet pre-op, so I'm ready for the shakes. also I stopped all caffeine and carbonated drinks, I think that has been the hardest. I never realized how much soda I drank.

 Your post is a great reminder for all of us who are pre-op and Diane hits the nail on the head when she says the journey starts when you make the decision to have the surgery.  This is a lifelong decision and if we truly want a healthier more fit body then we have to do the prep work.  If we pig out with the mentality of the "last supper" until the last possible moment before surgery we are not prepared mentally AND our struggle post-op will be more difficult as we adjust both mentally and physically.

Personally, I started looking at the size of my portions quite a while ago.  I dont have that second helping any more, I dont fini**** because it's on my plate, and I stop before I feel full.  When I did that my husband, being the oldest of 9 kids, felt that he should finish what I didn't.  You dont waste food you know!  I had to start getting up from the table, without saying anything and dumping my leftovers.   I tease him, lovingly of course, that it's only about forty cents worth of food, it's okay.

Now I have to work on the chew longer with smaller bites.  

Best of luck on your journey Sabrina. Save room for me on the bench.
Colleen

Excellent post. Thank you for all of the pre surgery reminders. From what i understand some drs require you to do a 1 week liquid and some require a 2 week? I really need to buckle doesn on my eating and exercising! I think I am scared and worried I will never eat certain foods again and in turn eating more than I usually eat! Thanks again for all the support and so happy to hear you are feeling better Sabrina. E :) 

Thank you for that advice. My surgery is next Friday (so excited!). I have been drinking shakes, started w 1 a day and now I am doing 2 per day. My doctor does not require me to do the pre-op diet but for my personal goals I want to drop 5-10 pounds beforehand.

I got some Jay Robb strawberry and mixed it with water,ice and a acket of sugar free dragon fruit drink mix. It is actually good! My doctor only requires liquids for 1 week and then on to purees. I "think" I can handle it..lol I aready started drinking tons more water. I wasn't able to diet too much because of insurance and staying close to the 40 bmi.

I have been eating smaller portions so I think I am ready to do this!.

Awesome!!!!  Good Luck!