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Nerves are normal. Big emotions are normal. Get prepared as much as you can, and expect to work hard and have challenges. You will need to employ patience. It won't be easy. Most important advice freshly post-op. Sip. Sip. Sip. Use the stupid little cups, make the chart on paper, and put all of your attention and focus the next week....into drinking as much as you're supposed to. Drink one teenie little one ounce cup in ten teenie little sips. Do this every 15 minutes, all day, as long as you are awake. 4 ounces an hour...if you are awake 16 hours = 64 ounces. But you have to pay attention and do it. Every. Single. Hour. Your job the next week is to watch the clock and drink. Sip, sip, sip. That's how you stay out of the hospital for dehydration. Best wishes and congrats!

For those that in the pre-op phase, just know that there are lots of different opinions you'll hear about nutrition and getting ready for surgery, and after the surgery. The main thing they want to see in the beginning is that you can stick to a program and show progress before you introduce the element of surgery. Because after that, there's no turning back. Try to find a routine that you can keep up for months and months (maybe years), as this is a life changing decision. What worked for me- high protein, low carb, kept calories below 1200 pre-op, and drank lots of Gatorade Zero and protein shakes. I had to read lots of labels and try different things to find foods/shakes/protein bars I liked enough to have every day. And I kept a log of everything I ate and drank for three or four months until I got into a solid routine. I stuck with it and am still following the program for the most part, although I have made a few changes as my body has changed. Remember that everyone is different and you may need something different - That's between you and your doctor and the nutritionist. They should be able to help you come up with a good plan that works and this forum has lots of people that have been down this road, so there is a lot of helpful advice and wisdom to get here.

I called the surgery center at the beginning of January and met with the surgeon in early February. I finished the four monthly stupid insurance required nutrition classes ("did you know french fries are unhealthy???") a few weeks ago and I still don't have a date for my surgery. All elective surgeries were on hold until April due to COVID so everyone whose surgery was cancelled or delayed has to be scheduled first. I had lost 39 lbs but then I got scared that my BMI would go too low if my surgery was going to be not for a few more months so when I visited my family I threw a few food funerals and gained 3 lbs and now I'm so angry at myself. I'm back on track now, but the weight isn't coming off. The surgery center isn't answering my questions at all at this point and I'm so frustrated. I know they're understaffed, and when the admin has called me back she's been so apologetic and so nice and helpful. I don't want to start over again, and everyone has been so nice and helpful at every interaction, it's just that I feel like I have so many unanswered questions and I want to just do this already!

Bariatric Surgery patients represent a surprisingly increasing number of patients in inpatient treatment for anorexia according to John's Hopkins. Yes, anorexia and other eating disorders are a serious risk for our population. Yes, treatment....including eating more.... will be a help even if you gain a little weight to find a managable maintenance level of calories. Passing out is incredibly dangerous and can kill you or others if you drive. It's also incredibly unsafe on stairs, around heavy equipment, and in the company of unsafe people. Being that low on nutrition is hard on your body, particularly your heart. You can do permenant damage in short order. Take your condition seriously. Your very demanding job and thinner body are of no use to you if you imperil your safety, health, and eventually your life. (it's tough on relationships, too) Wishing you the very best.

I am almost 5 years post-sleeve surgery, and last fall, in a Covid-Cleaning frenzy, I threw out all my old, post-surgery information. As usual, as soon as one pitches something, they need it. I have just had hiatal hernia surgery and am on a full liquid diet, but on Wednesday I can move up to the post-surgery soft diet- except I don't have my food lists anymore! Can someone list what's on a soft food diet, or describe what types of foods I can or cannot have (probably easier)? I've looked this up online but didn't find any soft-food diet that seems to be specific to bariatric weight loss patients, and I'm not sure our soft food diet would be the same as what is prescribed for the general public. TIA!

Technically speaking they would be the same except a bariatric soft would focus more on proteins than just general calories. This would include easy to chew foods that are also easily digestible. This list will give you an idea of what to include and stay away from. Keep in mind though that actual liquids are ok with soft foods, especially after hernia repair.

Hang in there! And maybe call them and let them know you will take any cancellation spot that comes available and you can be ready within 24hrs [if that is doable for you]...If they sense your dedication, maybe get you scheduled quicker? It will happen! 😊

I did not have to do a pre-op diet either. The only thing I had to do was 1 day of only liquids the day before surgery. I was surprised by it personally and it seemed to be the standard policy across my whole program.

Congratulations on your surgery date. Just stick to your plan and don’t compare your progress to others. Trust the process and you will do great.

I am 1 week post op today and I can say im down almost 10 pounds. I am drinking the different protein premium drinks, sugar free Gatorade and water. Trust me when I say its a struggle at times getting 64 oz in if I dont start drinking by 6am. But what I hate so far is this nauseous feeling. Also I hate these muxed berry chewable vitamins by bariatric advantage. They are nasty as hell and makes me want to puke. The wild cherry chewable calcium citrate vitamins not too bad. I call myself getting bariatric specific so i want have to take alot of pills. Im thinking now I probably have should went with the flintstone vitamins.