My Pre-op Prep-work

For anyone interested here is what I have done, or am doing, as far as pre-op prep-work:

• Stopped drinking carbonated beverages in January (procedure scheduled for March). I drank diet coke probably one to two times a day so I didn’t have a giant habit to overcome (although it seemed like it that first week because it had become so habitual at certain times of the day). I replaced my soda with crystal light and water.
  

• Bought the sample pack of protein powders from Unjury to see if I would like them. I liked the vanilla and chocolate. I wasn’t a huge fan of the chicken soup only because it mixed weirdly and I had to take the temperature of the water. I wouldn’t say I was a fan of the unflavored one but it truly did mix in well, and tasteless, with my yogurt and oatmeal and if it gives an extra protein boost then so be it. Presurgery I ordered 6 packets of the chicken soup, 6 packets of the vanilla, and 6 packets of the unflavored to take with me to Mexico. I also ordered a container of each for the house when I got back home. I wanted to be well prepared for my liquid phase.
  

• I also tried the high protein Slimfast chocolate and vanilla ready to drink mixes and shakes. Liked the chocolate but wasn’t a huge fan of the vanilla.
  

• I also tried the Atkins meal replacement bars and Go Lean meal replacement bars. I love the Atkins chocolate peanut better ones (all can be purchased at Walmart by the pharmacy diet stuff).
  

• I purchased 2 loose workout pants at Target to have when traveling. I love love love them and they have quickly become my go to pants when I am at home. They sit low on my waist, have boot cut legs, and a drawstring. The only drawback is no pockets.
  

• I bought full coverage underwear (I like thongs but thought that might be a bit inappropriate in the hospital new PJ’s and a cheap robe that I am unlikely to wear after this procedure HOWEVER I dye my own hair so I can use it as my hair dying robe so it is not a total waste!
  

• Bought a better bathroom scale. My old one needed replacing so it wasn’t an unneeded expense.
  

• Established the “I’m dieting and exercising” talk at work so that my weight loss is more believable and less shocking (I’m not telling anyone about the procedure).
  

• Started growing out my hair (since Jan.). It is really short and if I might lose some of it I figured I better start growing it.
  

• Joined the three gastric sleeve blogs and looked at posts so I know what to expect.
  

The things I haven’t done and feel bad about….

• Established a walking workout routine.
  
• Stopped chewing gum (although that is pretty high on my list to quit…I don’t like chewing gum in public but I do like to chew it in the car and it curbs my desire to stop at drive thru’s).
  
• Make the “just in case I die” list for my husband of things he will need to know (will be doing that this weekend)
  
• Stuck to a low carb eating plan (I did for a few weeks but Valentine’s Day at school did me in and I have been back sliding since).
  

Things I am worried about….

• Complications which will cost a million dollars to fix which won’t be covered by insurance causing a severe financial burden and a strain on my marrage resulting in me having to work until I am 90 years old (that is extreme worst case scenario so you bet it is the one that is worrying me the most).
  
• I won’t recognize the signs of a leak and I die
  
• The leak test fluid (taste)
  
• Getting all my money, passport, and ID stolen while traveling by myself.
  
• Gaining weight
  
• Dealing with my mother-in-law’s love of pushing food on anyone walking into her house (she means well but sometimes it is just easier to eat the food then it is to tell her “no, thank you” a million times).
  

Things I am looking forward to…

• Fitting in airplane seats easily
  
• Buying clothes in the normal section of the store (not the womens or plus size section)
  
• Having more energy
  
• Feeling “pretty”
  
• Enjoying working out
  

Things I still need to buy…

• Heating pad
  
• Travel sizes of shampoo, conditioner, etc.
  
• Another pair of the awesome Target pants.
  

STATS:

Height: 5’ 5” Weight: 244.6 lbs (as of 3/13)

Pant Size: 20/22 Shirt Size: 2XL