MNBGSD13

Newbie here! This is my first post, after months of lurking. I started this process in January and was jumping through all my hoops, and then COVID showed up. The stress of all the changes plus the total uncertainty about my surgery date have made it very hard for me to stay on track with developing my new eating habits. For folks who are in the COVID holding pattern, what are you doing to prepare for that unknown date in the future when we'll finally get our surgeries? I read somewhere that this is a good time to start trying out which protein powders you like, so I'll try that. What else? Thanks for any advice!

Fingers crossed for you! How do you like the Bariatastic app? Is it helpful? I got a CPAP a few months ago, and while I hate it, I definitely do feel more rested in the morning. (That could also be the result of working from home and not setting an alarm since March!)

Thanks, perfektlynrml! Sounds like you have a good checklist to work through! Do you have a ballpark estimate of your surgery date? I'm finding it hard to stay motivated with no "deadline." The nurse said I'll be done with all of my insurance and pre-op hoops by early September, so then my surgery date just depends on when elective surgeries can happen again, and they're pretty backed up. In the meantime, I've been trying to use a habit tracker to use this time to practice the habits I'll need to be successful. This includes (1) 65g protein/day; (2) 30 minutes of cardio; (3) strengthening/toning exercises; (4) no water 30 minutes before/after meals; (5) daily vitamins; (6) no snacking after dinner; and (7) no alcohol. I'm doing OK most days with 1, 4, and 5. Exercise was going well for a while (new bike!) but I've had a wicked flare up of recurring back pain the last few weeks, so mobility is a real challenge right now. And failing at 7 inevitably leads to failing at 6. My insurance does not have a pre-surgery weight loss requirement. I feel like I'm just blowing in the wind right now. Without a goal date, it's hard to stay focused on developing my new habits.