LindsJ83

Thank you for your response!! I appreciate it!

I've got 5 days until surgery and 3 until I meet with my dr. I'm starting to get a little nervous, more so apprehensive I think. It will only be my second time under anesthesia. My first was for my endoscopy and I barely remember anything! I'm hoping to have a repeat. I'm a little anxious about the pain afterwards and I'm going to start reading over all the literature about food again. It is a LOT to read and understand. I've heard that the Premier Protein shakes are good. I haven't heard of the other one that you mentioned. I forgot to add last night that another really great one is Lean Protein. GNC has them, too. I like them because they come in single packets so I'm able to try different ones before I buy the huge container! I think it may have lactose in it. I've tried the Lean Protein with milk and with Water. Personally, I like them with water a little bit more! Give that a try and let me know how it works out for you. And ba ba da!!! You're one day closer to surgery dude!!!

Kristie, I hope you are starting to feel a little better!!!

I COMPLETELY get it!! I quit caffeine and soda a little more than 2 months ago for 2 reasons. First, I knew I would eventually have to and second, because I knew that plus 2 week pre-op diet would be effing brutal!! I'm telling you - the first 2 weeks solid was so horrible because I was exhausted all the time. Then, something just kinda flipped its switch and I was fine! I'm not doing a liquid diet, I'm doing a low cal low carb high Protein diet. When I started, I almost wished I was doing the liquid. I was so hungry the first 3 days. Now that I'm going on day 11 tomorrow I really can say - it's not THAT bad...I'm averaging anywhere between 900-1200 calories. As for your liquid diet though, what Protein powder are you using? I can recommend a few that are pretty great. I've always loved Designer whey. The chocolate is SO good! It's lactose free so it's a bonus for after your surg. You won't have to worry about that sensitivity. Isopure I have not tried yet however, I heard that it tastes like Gatorade. Some people can have yogurt on their pre-op diet. If you can, try mixing in unjury powder. Anything that packs a protein punch will help with hunger. I posted about it a few pages ago but my saving grace has been Twinings Purely Peppermint Naturally Decaf hot tea. I drink it almost every afternoon and evening. It helps with the hunger. Peppermint is supposed to be a natural appetite suppressant. And if all else fails just keep reminding yourself that you're doing this for a reason. I always tell myself "Okay, you will never be such and such weight again!!" Hang in there. It does get better!!

I've read through all of the posts and I guess I will be the first to speak on behalf of us RNY-ers! Hi Hayley! I'm having RNY done on the 22nd, in less than a week. Here is the thought process behind why I chose to have RNY: I have been heavy my entire life and know that I will continue to be heavy until I do something about it. RNY is a huge step however, I believe it is the right WLS choice for me because I have quite a bit of weight to lose. My starting weight was 345 pounds. Today, I am down to 325 pounds and hope to be 320 pounds when I go in for surgery. My BMI is 52. I know that choosing to have this surgery will mean that I am now committed to a lifetime of taking Vitamins. RNY-ers have malabsorption issues. That being said, I'd say that out of all the WLS choices that we have the strictest guidelines and "phases" for eating. I would recommend RNY if you have been heavy your whole life, if you have a large amount of weight to lose (over 150 pounds) and if you feel as if this will be what you need to get you on the right path to weight loss. No one can tell you what surgery to choose - only you can do that however, I have seen some fantastic responses to your questions. We all seem to be very supportive of each other, no matter what the WLS is/was. I would attend an informational seminar and find a surgeon whom you TRUST and CONNECT WITH. 80% of my decision to have RNY, was based on 1 conversation with my surgeon the first time I met him because like you, I was unsure. Good Luck and I wish you all the best! -Lindsay

I was told by my doctor's office that you should be drinking absolutely no alcohol for at least 1 year.

That's so awesome that yours was quick. That's what happened with me too! I thought I'd be waiting awhile because of the holidays but there was a cancellation and the day for the surgery happened to be my 30th birthday so I figured I'd snatch it up! It was meant to be. So glad we are all only a few days apart and are going through this together! I'm 5 days from finishing my pre-op diet. WHEW!!!! BJ: How are you doing so far on your pre-op diet??

I went to the seminar in May and had to do the 6 month dietary visits with my doctor. My paperwork was sent into insurance on October 16th and it was about a week until I heard though the insurance company said it only took that long because they had requested a paper from my doctor's office. I had to wait a week because one of the ladies was on vacation. So, pending any hangups and stuff - I'd say it was really only 3 days. My insurance company is great - and very quick! Crissy where are you having the surgery done?

That's fantastic. Great to hear! When will you be headed home?

Thank you for the article, I will check it out. Robotic surgery (as my surgeon has explained) is similar to laparoscopic. The main difference is the surgeon is actually about 5 feet away on a console (it looks like a video game system no joke!) and he is performing surgery that way. The robot has about 6 or 7 different arms. All are 360 degrees rotatable, smaller movements and smaller incisions. The system that he uses is the DaVinci SI. If you type in "DaVinci SI robot" on youtube, there is a 2 min video that gives you a briefing on what it is. It's pretty insane!

I've always wondered the same thing as well - Personally, I think it comes down to the surgeon, the nutritionist and the body type of the person. I've seen a LOT of people have a liquid diet. I don't have that - I'm actually allowed to eat up until midnight the day before my surgery! I'm just on a liver shrinking diet which is basically high protein/low carb. I've lost 7 pounds this week so something is working! But yes I have wondered that too. Consider yourself lucky if you only have 1 week!!

Oh and what I have found works for me is Twinings Purely Peppermint Naturally Decaf. I do a cup every afternoon and evening. It's really yummy! And peppermint is a natural appetite suppressant!

The first 3 days of the diet are really hard. But, by day 4 it gets better. I'm halfway through and now I barely feel hungry and I'm just around 800-1100 cals per day. Anybody who says fat people don't have willpower is wrong! Lol you got this!!!

Hi guys! Glad to see I'm not alone! Michael I'm at Middlesex with Dr. Aranow. Having surg on the 22nd. How far along are you??

Yay! So exciting congrats! Mine is the 22nd. I'm having it on my 30th bday! We will be joining the losers bench within 3 days of each other!! Best of luck!!

Janifer - I wanted to answer your message personally however, this darn new system says I'm not allowed to. How frustrating! Anyway - I am SO glad to hear you and your husband are doing well! I'm halfway through my pre-op diet. I'm 9 days away from surgery. I cannot believe it! How did you get to go home so fast? I thought my hospital was great with a 2 day stay!!

Hey Moxy! You are 2 days before me!! Good luck!!

That stinks. I haven't had surgery yet but my mom has quite a bit of dumping syndrome. So, speaking from her experiences - she sips on water occasionally and uses a heating pad. My surgeon says to drink flat diet ginger ale if the nausea seems to really be bothering you. Maybe a cool wash cloth as well.

RMSD - I am from CT, just south of Hartford.

Gah!!!! I'm finally back on. I was going crazy not being able to talk to all my November peeps for a few days! Miss you guys. What's new? How have people done with surgery who have had it? And, people that are coming up - how have you guys been doing on your pre-op diets and losing weight?! I've got surgery the 22nd. I'll be starting day 4 of my 14 day pre-op diet tomorrow. The first couple days were REALLY hard. They have been getting easier...I'm still allowed to eat, I'm just on something called a "ketotic diet" which is basically like Atkins - high protein, low fat - the only difference being I'm only allowed 4oz protein at breakfast, 5 at lunch and dinner. Anyone else have something similar to this??

Hey girl!!! I know we've talked a lot - I actually just looked at the date and went "Holy crow! It's the day after tomorrow!" I wish you and your hubby all the best. How are you feeling? Have you lost any weight on your pre-op diet? Nervous/anxious?

Hi and welcome! We are birthday surgery people! I'm having mine on my 30th birthday!!!

I started my diet today. Not liquid - I have 14 days of high Protein, low carbs. Had 3 eggs and 1oz mozzarella cheese for Breakfast. Then I started thinking about lunch right after. Lol - yeah, I'm definitely fat!! Lol. Good luck to all that have their surgery today. How is everyone doing with their pre-op diet?? Kristie - thank you for adding my name to the calendar. That's awesome to see who has surgery when so we can wish them well! I think I'm on there for the 21rst but my surgery is really the 22nd!!! Oh how I wish it was a day sooner!!

When the lady at my surgeons office said that I laughed and was like that's my birthday! Put me down for that date! I know some people wouldn't but I wouldn't have it on any other day if given the choice! Your husband and you will have to race for weight loss now! But, that is fantastic that you guys will have one another for support. No better way to recover!

Good luck to you Molly! Let us know how everything goes please!! Yes Janifer! I'm so glad we agree That's amazing you and hubby have surg same day! I thought I got lucky with my surg being on my 30th bday! Lol