happilylacey

Got my date of September 10th, going through Dignity Health WLC in Gilbert, AZ. I haven't seen a September thread of surgeries yet, but I'd love to hear where you are and your date! I start my PreOP diet Aug 27th, and its only 3 protein shakes a day...no chewing at all! I've seen some that are 2 protein shakes a day and then a small amount of chicken and nonstarch veggies for dinner. What's your PreOP diet like and how long do you have to do it?

Hey guys I'm back to check in. To those of you still on the preOp diet and those of you worrying about what the future may hold: I had my surgery 9/10, am almost 2 weeks out and while there are some things I am dealing with that I will share, all of this has been so worth it. I had the gas pains after surgery and while they seriously made me question what the heck I had gotten my self into, I forced myself to walk and stretch as much as I could and they dissipated pretty quickly (1-2 days). My reaction to the anesthesia was pretty rough, I was tachycardic and had to be put on oxygen for a bit after coming to. It took me at least a full 12 hours to be totally awake and get rid of the weakness in my legs. And lastly, today marks 27 full days where my intake has been liquid (including preOp diet) so I feel a little spacey and weak sometimes. BUT, I get better every day, can walk further every day, my clothes get looser every day, and only have 8 more days til I can have my first taste of soft foods - gonna go for an egg with a bit of avocado I think... Now for the hard numbers - I weighed myself this morning to get accurate numbers. I weighed 245 at the beginning of LRD and weighed in at 218 today - down 27 pounds. I already see a huge difference in my face and want to cry that I waited even this long to make this decision for myself. I am an overthinker and worrier by nature, so if you are doubting or are worried and want to talk, I am willing to talk it through with you. This is one of those times when you gotta take the leap of faith and trust that you have the drive to follow the plan and make this happen. The anticipation is killer but being in it and doing it, you're able to focus on the steps to take to be successful and it feels incredible to be doing something so productive for yourself.

Speaking of recovery to-dos: Anyone have any good book or show recommendations for recovery? I like urban fantasy and thrillers. I am finishing up the CurseBreakers series and in the last month I have also read these that I recommend: -ACOTAR (A Court of Thorns and Roses) Series -All the Mercy Thompson and Alpha/Omega Series by Patricia Briggs -Kelley Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld (I've read these probably 7 times through now) Next on my to read is From Blood and Ash...but I am open to all suggestions because I go through them quickly.

Oh my gosh! People have 4 week ones? I'm on Day 6 and I think I'm doing better today but I definitely think I will be cured of a sweet tooth... Last night I tried Chicken broth, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a hit of cholula and then drained it so there was no cilantro actually in it - just the flavor but it was bomb.com after so many sweet shakes. I don't know anyone firsthand, so what kind of stories have you heard? Just not being able to do the surgery because your liver is in the way?

That's great to hear, Congrats!

That is so true. Even my books were full of food descriptions. But now that I'm on Day 6, I think I'm in a groove and its not so bad anymore

Yeah, totally understandable, but liver shrinking can be accomplished even with a dinner meal of lean meat and non starchy veggies. We were curious why some of us have to do only 3 shakes a day, nothing else when others have no LSD, and others are kinda in the middle - 2 shakes and a healthy dinner.

Ugh sorry to hear it. I'm on Day 5 and I am so hangry. The first 4 days were worse though, I think I'm feeling slighlty better. Except for the random bouts of dizziness

Totally. And you might be in surgery now, so good luck! Let us know how it went!!

Yeah, that's very interesting! I almost wonder if they want you to lose as much as possible before surgery to show their weight loss rates being higher, but I might be a tad too cynical there 😕

Ignore my earlier reply asking for an update! I've been off the forum. Congrats!! Just days away!!

Thanks BretBMF! I'm glad it's not too long as the hospital is almost 2 hours from me. Did you ever get an update on a date?

Wow that's interesting that you don't have to do any preOp. Ok that will be here before you know it!

Oh gotcha. How was that class? I haven't gotten any details other than I need to go on Sept 7th. Good luck, hope you get good news!!

Yeah, pretty much. I'm worried that I'm still gonna be as hungry as I am now, and that its not going to take. So I'm glad theres this huge community to talk to.

That's awesome, great job!

Oh gotcha! I wonder why some are different when high protein, low fat, non-starchy veggies shrink your liver just fine? What food funerals did you throw? I haven't had caffeine in MONTHS and don't drink much either. Good luck!

Oh that's nice, at least you have a little variety ❤️

That's exciting! Oh and I just saw your other message. I'm seeing Dr. Robertson but have heard amazing things about Dr. Stevenson. Wishing you a quick reschedule! Did you already take the preOp class?

I'm pretty new here too! What is foremost on your mind?

Wow that's interesting, and you're a lucky duck - these liquid only for weeks is rough. Excited for you though!

Hi I'm in AZ too and am looking for more people local on social media (IG happilylacey) I'm in pre-op too, have finished all my pre-op hoops except two more appts and insurance clearance. I am going through the Dignity Health Weight Loss Center in Gilbert. So far so good, they had a roadmap for me to follow and have made it pretty easy so far.