Last night I went for my Surgeon Seminar.  There the surgeon discussed all things WLS.  He also, made a few points that I think I knew deep down (I'll get to that in a bit). 

However, what had me really worried and upset was the wait times.  He mentioned he is one of only 2 Kaiser surgeons in my area.  Yes the DC Metro Area.  So that means, a really long wait.  In fact, one guy there last night mentioned he was not only approved, but also met with the surgeon 3 months ago and was still waiting on his date.

What..A...Bummer!  6 months pre-qualification only to find out you have to wait 6 more months!?!?  This guy (on tap for a Feb surgery) will have waited a full year from his initial meeting.  That is horrible.  I realize you don't want your surgeon to rush, but I mean 1 year.  That is a long time especially given that 6 months of that was AFTER you qualified.

So after getting over that.  I was happy that my husband seemed a lot more at ease and learned a lot about the WLS.  Much of the pre and post-op diet "stuff" I knew from stalking reading this site.  But I was glad he had a chance to hear the risks and other information so he wouldn't be worried about me.

Now, the interesting part...the surgeon totally disagreed with the diet the Nuts have been promoting for post-op.  He mentioned that there was absolutely no way anyone would lose weight following their diet.  He said in fact it would lead to gains. 

The reason he didn't agree is that he said the amount of carbs (via fruits and veggies) the Nuts want us to eat, would be too high.  (I totally knew this but thought I must be wrong).  He said, he wants us to stick to 30g of carbs a day (if possible for life).  He mentioned that 1 small banana would overshoot the 30g alone.  So he said, throw out the idea that we need these pretty meals that have...a protein, veggie, fruit, grain, etc. and especially the idea of 6 meals.  Sure a snack perhaps but 6 small meals...no way.

I'm so glad he mentioned that because I know for a fact, even though I love berries, I have to eat them sparingly if I am going to lose weight.  He also mentioned what we all know already about walking and other exercise daily.  But...and this is a big BUT...

I had NO clue that I'd have to give myself shots twice a day for 2 weeks post-op.  This is to prevent blood clots which is certainly important.  BUT I am the biggest punk when it comes to needles and didn't even have to do this after my very painful c-section.  I mean I'm a cry, roll around on the ground, really low threshold type of punk person. 

This surprised me.  I thought I'd take something orally.  His response, no, the shots or no surgery.  I didn't expect to have to inject myself twice a day.  So, all in all I guess it is a good thing that I have a few months longer before surgery.  I'll use that to build up enough courage to do those darn shots.