sharonwg

Hey Carla - are you liquid or puréed food directly post op?

Hi guys - I think unread that some of you are on a liquid following your surgery. I will be on a very soft puréed protein rich diet following surgery (almost watery so it slide through a fork. Im going to spend some of the day making my meals and dividing them up. We also have to include fruit and veg prepared in the same puréed way x

Awwwww - congratulations you guys - I too am sooooo excited. I’m kicking it off for us on 1st June - 6 days and counting down x

Oh ok - looks like there are a number of you who have gone for the sleeve. I’m having the bypass done. I’m not to nervous about it as I was before but I’m thinking that may change when I’m being wheeled to theatre! I do trust my surgeon which I think is important.

Hey Brandi - whoop whoop! So you only have a pre-op diet for 7 days? Lucky you! What are you having done?

♥️ Congratulations you guys - June is almost upon us. I’m one full week of pre-op liquid today and 10lbs down. 7 days and counting for bypass on 1st June - it’s a challenge at times but I’m hanging in there for the 1st June xx

I second that - safe travel and comfort in Mexico honey. Tomorrow will be one full week of liquid diet. I may be imagining it, but I am sure my bra cup seems a little looser 😂. I'm going to brave it and step on the scales tomorrow morning......

I'm on day 7 today of the liquid diet. There have been times it has felt hard but ive managed to stay with it. My surgery is on 1st June (next Thursday) - it cannot come fast enough. It is hard but we are all almost there ♥️

Hi Lolavolcan. I started my liquid diet last Thursday. Its not too bad but there are the odd moments when it can feel quite challenging. My liquid diet is only for 2 weeks - I can see how 4 weeks can seem like a huge mountain to climb. Staying focused can be hard. I try to stay focused by listening to music I like to dance or which motivates me. I look at the clothes i will be able to wear and also like to list the things that I aim to do. I have started swimming now which gives a boost to the mood and I try to busy myself. Take one day at a time honey - that also helps because one day feels more manageable. Its 4 weeks out if the rest of your life - you are on your way to a really fabulous chapter. Come on girl - you can do it Lola 😊

Lizrios! It's never too late to reclaim your life - you have a whole load of years left in front of you and this is your time now! Lets all grab at the life we imagined! I'm 51 and have decided I'm just going to go for it. My physiologist advised me to try and do some exercise each day leading up to my surgery to aid respiration while under anaesthetic. Its not a must at all however - just a suggestion if I might like to. I am a swimmer but have not been since I gained so much weight. I am apprehensive about that because I feel embarrassed. I've decided I'm going anyway today - I cant allow what others think of me to come between me and my dreams. To hell with what anyone thinks; ill just take a deep breath and go! Also, go Carla! What a lovely birthday present ☺️

Yup - it hurt my tummy. May I ask you all how much weight you would like to lose? I'd like to lose 117lbs.

No problem Carla. The plan advises if you experience cramps, bloating and loose stool, move on to the soy milk or lactose free. I experienced that later today and i have moved to soy. I can generally tolerate milk but perhaps not in that quantity. I'm drinking the sugar free soy - not as nice as milk but ok I think; I can tolerate it. I might also try the lactose free. I'm trying to use this opportunity to re-set my taste buds. I don't have a headache and am feeling ok. Almost at the end of day 2 😊

Sure, Carla. Per day, it is: * 2 litres (3.5 pints) of semi-skimmed mild spread throughout the day. If lactose intolerant or you have loose stools, cramping or bloating, switch to lactose-free semi-skimmed milk from the fresh milk counter. Soy milk can also be used but standard and unsweetened. Other plant based milks are not suitable as they contain little or no protein. * At least 1 litre (2 pints) of other calorie and caffeine free fluids to keep you hydrated (tea, herbal tea). Water is unlimited. No fizzy drinks, energy drinks, high caffeine drinks or cola's. You can have sugar free squashes or cordials but it must be labelled sugar-free or no added sugar; therefore, it should not contain free sugar, sucrose, sorbitol, fructose or fruit juice. * One salty drink to maintain sodium levels such as a mug of hot water with a stock cube or Bovril according tot he instructions. Alternatively, yo can have a 4g teaspoon of yeast extract (i.e. marmite). * One multivitamin and mineral tablet containing 100% of all A-Z vitamins and minerals as this is NOIT a balanced diet for the long term. * Allowed extras are one sachet of sugar free jelly and 3 sticks of sugar free gum per day - these are not needed but may be a welcome change * NO FOOD I hope i have typed this correctly 😊

I was advised the pre-op diet is essential as the liver needs to be shrunk enough for the surgeon to get behind it; the pre-op diet it conducive to the liver shrinkage. I was given two possible pre-op diets to follow. One consisting of milk, water and an oxo cube in hot water or yoghurt and soup diet (it is specific yoghurt and specific soup). I can move between the diets intermittently as i choose but cannot mix them on any given day - it has to be a full day of one or the other. I am on my second day of the milk diet. Apparently, that is the most popular. I think for me, it just takes away from having to shop and choose which yoghurt, soup etc. I could also prepare a soup but it would need specific ingredients. Have to say, there is some relief in not having to think about food in that was for a while. With each of the diets, we have to take a multivitamin and mineral. I'm on day 2 of the milk diet. its not as bad as i thought it might be. I had a bit if a headache this morning but that has now significantly subsided (i do not need a painkiller). I had a good sleep apart from waking couple of times to empty my bladder! I'm not really feeling tired at this time. 13 days to go and counting until my bypass 😊

Awwww - don't worry, Carla. To be honest, I wouldn't say I'm feeling weak. I am very relieved - i don't have to think about what i will or wont eat and that is a massive relief! Remember, its only two weeks honey. You got this! xx

Oh ok; I can imagine there will be times when it will feel more difficult, especially if you have to prepare food for other people. you have done well; stay with it; not long to go now. I'm going to really try to stay with this - we can do it 😊

Hey Mona19234 - you have your surgery the day after me! I started my pre-op liquid diet today - its not been too bad to be honest. I had a bit of a headache earlier but that seems to have really subsided now. The excitement has helped I think because for me it marks the beginning of the road to the surgery - cant believe I'm two weeks away and counting. What surgery are you having done? I'm having a bypass.

Hi guys - I start my pre-op diet tomorrow in preparation for my bypass on 1st June. Its really happening - I feel very excited but also a little nervous. Thank you all so much for your posts - I don't feel so alone on this journey. I'm sure the pre-op diet will be challenging but right now, I feel like a warrior and I'm going to fight hard! I'm ready to reclaim my life back - lets Gooooooo!

Just imagine - this time in July, we will all have had our surgeries 😁

It all kicks off for me early next week when I start the pre-op diet in preparation for my bypass on 1st; I just cant wit now! We have choice of two pre-op diets and I have chosen the liquid diet. This weekend, I'm trying out protein rich recipe's that are easily pureed for after the surgery. Here we Goooooooooo!

Hi there - I had a gastric band for 16 years; i went from 280lbs to 91lbs (im very short!). I had it removed last year as it had slipped and im having a bypass in a few weeks. Why not try eating a meal / snack high in protein in the evening. It will make you feel fuller for a longer period of time. Good luck with it xx

Hey - Hi CatLady - im similar to you; I had a gastric band in for 17 years. It was very successful but i had to have it removed as it had slipped. Im having my bypass on 1st June - im so hoping this is just as successful. I was told this was much easier to work with than the band so fingers crossed. Good luck to all of us xx

Anyone else kicking off the month of June with me on 1st? I start my pre-op diet in just over a week which will be great as I am totally overeating just now - im told that is so very normal for many people at this stage of the process x

Hi guys - i'm in the UK and on the 1st June! The time has come so very quickly - i too am a mixture of a little scared but so very excited. I also cant wait until its done - I cant bear living this way anymore. I have no doubts about the decision and am also preparing myself. Glad to be part of this group xx

Thank you all - this has all been so very helpful - so insightful. How did you all find driving after surgery; how long before yo could drive some distance? 😊