NickelChip

I'm so sorry you're going through this. I hope it resolves quickly after the surgery. I know it's easier said than done, but try not to stress over the holiday stuff. Do you have kids? If so, this may just be the year to have a talk about what really matters in life, like family and good health, and give yourself permission to scale down the decorations and the dinner, and delay presents until a better time. It's okay not to be perfect all the time. And it's okay to find a totally new way of marking the holiday that doesn't cause you stress. It's okay to opt out for a year and try again next time. You've got a lot to deal with already. Sending hugs.

Oh, ugh. I agree with MLC3409 that you should start with the doctor who ordered the study, or ask if you can request the letter yourself and then give it to your surgeon. But that's ridiculous. The one thing I am grateful for is all of my providers are affiliated with the hospital, so everybody talks to everybody and all my test results, orders, etc., are all in one portal. I'm just nervous because this is so close to the end of the year. I keep having nightmares that something will delay the surgery and then the new year will somehow screw everything up with coverage changing or something, and send me back to square one. The last thing any of us need is more stress, so I really hope you get this sorted out soon.

December 27th is going to be a very busy day! Regarding meal prep, I'm making room in my freezer now to freeze some favorites ahead of time. I'm also going to be teaching my daughters, 12 and 15, how to make some of the simpler meals they like. This way, after surgery, they can cook for themselves with minimal supervision. Which they should learn anyway! Meals like spaghetti, tacos, chili, shepherd's pie, and quiche, that barely even need a recipe. For myself, I have a cookbook I'm really looking forward to that covers bariatric meal prep. It has 6 weeks of meal plans and directions for making ahead and portioning. I'm using that and Dr. Weiner's bariatric cookbook for most of my new recipe ideas. Here's the meal prep one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1645674967 I'm choosing 1 or 2 new things to try making each week this month, hoping to have a few to add to the rotation that all of us will like, and some small containers to freeze for later.

I will be having gastric bypass done at the end of this month, but when I was trying to decide between sleeve or bypass, one of the resources I used was this risk calculator. In addition to risks, it lets you select your own co-morbidities such as sleep apnea, hypertension, or diabetes to see how likely it is that they will resolve based on which procedure you choose, and shows you a BMI predictor chart at the 12-month mark. I found it pretty helpful. Additionally, I found this video super informative: The factors that I considered most were GERD risk and the desire to control my blood sugar and blood pressure, as well as feeling like I could benefit from the threat of dumping if I ate too much fat or sugar, my weaknesses! It definitely took me several weeks to decide as I weighed it all.

I know it's so hard with kids, but I suggest getting rid of everything in the house that could be a temptation. This summer, I stopped replacing the snacks as they ran out. I stopped buying candy and cookies. We started making "nice cream" from frozen fruit. I have just under 4 weeks to go and I'd say about 90% of the stuff is gone, replaced with salted nuts and apple sauce cups. Luckily, my girls are 12 and 15, so they understand why, and I can let them have candy for themselves when the time comes and they'll know not to have it anywhere near me. But don't feel guilty! It's a learning experience, that's all. Now you know you have to be extra mindful when food is around.

I've very much liked the Syntrax brand, especially the Nectar Naturals peach flavor. I don't like vanilla in any brand and I'm only so-so on chocolate, so I like trying unusual options. I recently purchased the 15 variety sampler so I can try a bunch, plus have single-serve packets available to throw in my purse when I'm out and about. I especially like the fruit flavors right now. I keep trying to find a soup that I like, but I think I'll end up doing unflavored protein in broth because most of the powdered ones have been underwhelming. Of course, who knows what I will like afterward.

Totally understandable, and 6 weeks of liquids is a long time to plan for. I only have 2 days of liquids pre-op and 2 weeks post-op. Are you allowed soft dairy during that time? I can have yogurt, ricotta, and sugar free pudding, plus strained cream soups. Although I don't like creamed soups, so not sure I'll bother with that option. But I know what you mean about salt in the pre-made broth. If I had room in my freezer, I would make a bunch of it. Just remember, almost everything you need can be purchased locally after surgery. You really only need a few days' worth. And if you have a nutritionist in your program, you can probably get some samples, too. Honestly, I think I've bought as many things as I have (and probably won't need) because I've had my date since early October and buying protein shakes and vitamins has been a way to ease my impatience while I wait!

One of the things I just got over the weekend was the 15 flavor variety pack of Syntrax Nectar Protein Powder that they sell here on the BariatricPal site's store. I figured that was a good way to have a lot of options on hand, plus the packs can be tossed in my bag if I'm out for the day, just in case.

Same with me. The only time I've been under anesthesia was for my wisdom teeth when I was a teen. But the hospital where I will have this surgery is the same as where I had both my kids. The sad thing is, they have really good food. A weird thing to say about a hospital, but it's true! The in-room food is delicious and even the cafeteria was nice enough I would have lunch there after appointments. I remember being really impressed with the meals when I was in the maternity ward. The nurses were so sweet. They even put an order in for me from a local ice cream place because they were all getting some delivered for after their shifts. They saved it in the freezer for me until I was allowed to eat after my epidural wore off. (I was in labor a really long time and that was the best ice cream I have ever had). Sadly, this time will be a bit different when it comes to the food experience, but I'm sure the staff is just as nice.

Hooray for another December 27 person! Curious what your pre-op instructions are. My surgeon's office will do my pre-surgery testing on Dec 13 and then I just have to do liquids for 2 days, so Dec 25 and 26.

Welcome! You're the same day as me! One of the things I have done that I think has really helped me feel more prepared is watching YouTube videos. I started with every video available from both Dr. Matthew Weiner and Dr. John Pilcher, and I also watched all of the ones from Dr. Vuong, although I know he's a more controversial figure these days. But I did get a lot out of some of them when he was talking about your mindset and that type of thing. I also watched a ton of videos made by regular people talking about their experiences. I've done book research and such too, but I feel like the videos are just a way I can get a little bit of something to think about every day. With 4 weeks to go, my plan is to try out a few recipes from the bariatric cookbooks I've bought and see if I can get some menu ideas for some of the earlier stages, figure out the groceries I will need, etc. Oh, and freezing some meals for my kids so I can avoid cooking the first few weeks. Other than that, I think we just have to take it one day at a time.

I plan to do both. As difficult as it was for me to look at them, I took photos of myself in a tank top and exercise leggings just a couple days after the doctor appointment when I had my highest ever recorded weight. I kind of needed to look the picture to really see it and process it, you know? I plan to put on the same clothing again probably the day before surgery, and then keep those clothes to take pictures every month or so after. I think wearing the same clothing will really help to see the differences. I may take additional photos wearing just undergarments, but those will never see the light of day (whereas I already posted my before picture to an album here because I appreciate all the folks who have posted theirs). And definitely measurements. You'll want those for your own records, and keeping up with them as you lose will help when shopping for new clothing.

I did something today I wouldn't normally do. I was out and saw a dress on a clearance rack that really caught my eye. It was 70% off, but I was about to put it back because it's "not my size" when I realized it might fit me by the time the spring rolls around I would probably be about 4 months post-op by then. So I bought it! Of course, if I'm wrong, it was only $14. But it's exciting to have something in my closet to aspire to. Last time I lost a significant amount of weight was about 7 years ago, and not only did I regain it all, but I've moved since then and got rid of most of the smaller clothes. I think I have a few pairs of jeans and maybe a dress that I thought was too nice to give away "just in case." I think I'll mostly be living in oversized shirts and black leggings until the summer comes because I don't want to buy a bunch of stuff that I'll be out of quickly, especially since I work from home. Am I the only one thinking about this stuff, and a little afraid to jinx myself by buying clothing in a smaller size?

It may help you, like it has for me, to focus on adding good habits as much or more as taking away your bad habits. When I first talked to my doctor about bariatric surgery, I spent several weeks cleaning out all the items in my pantry and freezer that I knew were not doing good things for me. Things like snack foods and highly processed stuff, and anything I know I will binge eat, like pretzels or chocolate. I also bought some WLS books, including A Pound of Cure from Dr. Matthew Weiner. I read through all his steps for changing your diet and figured out the easiest ones for me to do and started there. For example, I'm not a big fan of artificial sweetener, and Diet Coke was the only thing I was really doing that broke that "rule," so it was pretty easy for me to make the cut. Same with adding a pound of vegetable per day. That change alone has made a lot of other things easier for me, like cutting out bread and reducing dairy. I find I am so full after a green smoothie at breakfast or a salad with beans for lunch that I am not as hungry at dinner, and don't feel the need to snack as much. When I do snack, I've bought raw or dry roasted nuts to replace the junk I used to buy. I've lost about 16 pounds in 4 months, and unlike in the past when I've "dieted," I don't really feel like I'm missing out. Plus, I make exceptions a couple times per month and don't feel guilty about it. By focusing on the health aspects and not tracking the calories, it really helped me make changes that promote a healthier weight without feeling overburdened or deprived. I hope that helps!

Focus on beans and leafy greens! I started following the advice in the Pound of Cure book and have lost 16lbs since August without the usual dieting woes. Also, this video might address some of your concerns and give you some things to think about going forward when it comes to protein and veggies:

For premade, I like the Kettle and Fire beef bone broth. But if you have the bones leftover from Thanksgiving, or from a rotisserie chicken, homemade broth is easy. Put the carcass in a Crockpot along with an onion cut into quarters and a sliced carrot and a celery stalk. You can throw in a sprig of thyme and a bayleaf if you want, but it's not necessary. Fill to 1/2 inch of the top with water, turn on low, and let it cook all night while you sleep, 8-10 hours. Ladle the broth through a fine mesh strainer and skim off the extra fat. Add salt to taste.

So glad you're doing well!

I also took Wegovy for a while and am going the surgery route in part because my new insurance won't cover it. But also, the big difference with surgery is that it is a permanent, lifelong change. Not necessarily the lack of hunger, but the overall benefits of the tool remain with you lifelong, changes in your metabolism that are very enduring, whereas with meds, the effects start to reverse as soon as you stop taking it. You might check the Pound of Cure Youtube channel for recent videos on how surgery plus meds like Wegovy can work together down the road for those who need both.

All of the in-person groups and classes have stopped at my hospital, too. The nutritionist said maybe in 2024 they would start again. But too late for me! I had a group info/immersion class all the way back in August, and so much I've learned in research and from this site were never mentioned. I really think there should be in-person groups, either for just the hospital or for several programs in the area, where we could connect with people who are at the same stage and actually learn and discuss what to expect. It's really a shame.

There was a Scandinavian study published in 2022 that looked at the medical records of 41k patients, both bypass and sleeve, over a period of several years. They compared patients with no known NSAID use with those who had been prescribed NSAIDs (in other words, not just over the counter use but a set dosage daily for a trackable amount of time). The total rate of ulcers was 1.9% of patients, nearly all from the gastric bypass group. They found no increase in the risk of ulcers in the sleeve patients who took NSAIDs. They did, however, find an increase in the likelihood of ulcers in bypass patients who took NSAIDs for 30+ days, but not in patients with temporary use of less than 30 days. Do with that information what you will the next time you have a headache. (But remember, I am not a medical professional! I am a romance writer!). Doctors, however, will generally tell you not to do something, (not ever, never, ever!!!), knowing how few patients actually listen to a word they say. (Of course, trusting what they say would also be easier if it matched the peer reviewed literature. But that's an issue for another day.)

By far the craziest item I have purchased lately is a ZozoFit measuring suit. I have not yet used it, but I plan to put it on and do the measurement app the day before I start my pre-op diet and then once a month. I've heard the system can be glitchy, so we'll see how it goes. But I wanted an easy way to record my measurements over time, the same way my smart scale tracks things automatically for me. I would never presume to call this a must-have item, though.

I should start by saying I am going to interpret the word "need" very broadly here. I got my 12/27 date in mid-October and it's possible I've been using shopping as a way to make the time go faster. Also, since I won't buy myself any new clothing right now, I'm definitely justifying it that way as I buy crazy things... I just ordered and received a set of Perfect Portion storage containers from Amazon this week, along with a set of bariatric silverware. I also have 2 melamine plates and 2 melamine bowls (also Perfect Portion brand) coming soon. Do I already own small plates and 1 cup glass storage containers? Yes. Did I want the ones printed with portion reminders and motivational sayings anyway, despite a ridiculous price? Also yes. I like to cook homemade food, so I bought several bariatric cookbooks. My favorites so far have been The Bariatric Diet Guide and Cookbook by Dr. Matthew Weiner and Bariatric Meal Prep Made Easy by Kristen Willard. Since I still have 5 weeks to wait, I'm planning to try 1 or 2 recipes each week and fill some of the meal prep containers ahead of time to freeze. My hope is to find some things the kids will like, too, to make my life easier in the future.

I was curious what causes the 3-week stall, and this is what I found out in doing a little digging. When we experience calorie deprivation, whether a diet or after surgery or just not having the usual amount to eat for a bit, our bodies first turn to our store of glycogen to keep things running. Glycogen is a form of stored sugar, and for each gram of glycogen in the body, it's bound to 3 grams of water. So, if you burn a gram of glycogen for energy, you lose 3 additional grams of water as a bonus. Your body will always burn glycogen before it burns fat because that's how we've evolved to handle brief food shortages. Which means most of the weight you lose right after surgery is not actually fat, but water (and that's fine!). But after a few weeks, your body is low on glycogen and you still haven't hunted down a wooly mammoth to eat, so now it starts burning fat to keep running. At the same time, it does what it can to replenish those glycogen stores with whatever calories you have coming in, because it's a little worried you won't survive the next famine. Glycogen makes me think of the $100 cash my mom always kept stashed in her sock drawer for an emergency. If she used any of it, as soon as she got more cash, she replenished that first before putting anything in her wallet. Remember, each gram of glycogen comes with 3 grams of water. So you might burn 4 grams of fat, but also replenish 1 gram of glycogen (along with the 3 grams of water that tag along for the ride), and the scale shows you the same weight. Now you feel like nothing has happened and start to panic. But you still lost fat, which is the goal. And once your body does what it needs to do to replenish that glycogen, it'll start showing on the scale again. I really wish doctors would explain this process to patients before surgery! Some mention plateaus in general, but they rarely explain what causes them, and the 3 week stall is the type of thing they really should explain in detail so we know what's going on because it's basically a given.

Such a transformation!

I'm curious what you had instead of the protein drinks, or if you just weren't getting much protein those first weeks. Was there something that worked better for you than whey?