HELP!!!!!!! WAY OVERWHELMED WITH INFO BUT NOT ENOUGH SPECIFICS TO BE VERY SCARY!!!!

[tartertwo 1]

I am scheduled for surgery 12/12/11 I am going to do the HCG diet 4 weeks before to lose that 20 - 25 pounds ahead of time. I have a diet, a surgeon, payments all taken care off. That was the easy part. SO no I am panicing on the how tos. I dont seem to have a good grasp on when I eat what I eat, when do I start the Protein. What is the right protein for me. Should I see a nutrionist? The one at Strax is physicians weight loss, and I want some input from someone not trying to sell me something.

I am nervous I am going to do this and fail. I cant afford to fail. I CANT AFFORD TO FAIL!! My husband and family deserve so much more. What do I do?

I need more info on,

accclimating into the diet, when do you start protein.

suport meetings, any suggestions on South Florida??

When do I Start work outs?

Any input would be great!!

[Dulci 108]

I am having my surgery at Cleveland Clinic in Weston, FL. I was required to attend a nutrition seminar which covered all of the diet information for each stage: pre-op and then 5 stages after (Clear liquids, full liquids, mushy, solid Protein, Proteins and veggies, and then regular diet.) During the seminar, I was given also given regimen of Vitamins to take, exercise recommendations to go with each stage of the diet plan and an extensive list of options for Protein supplements. They also gave us a book with all of the information they went over during the group nutrition meeting.

I'd check with your surgeon's office to see if they have something similar. I would think that Memorial Regional's program would be similar to Cleveland Clinic.

From reading these boards, it seems that most surgeons have different requirements, so it is hard to make recommendations.

Regarding Protein shakes, so far, I like Jay Robb protein the best. I also like Muscle Milk 100% whey vanilla (from Costco).

[sam3841 57]

I would recommend not doing the hcg diet. Hcg is a hormone that is produced by the fetus to cause the uterus to direct more blood supply to the fetus. Want to have a similar hormone amount as a pregnant women? Go ahead, also the hcg diet has been linked to heart problems. Just follow this diet: Protein Shake for Breakfast, Protein shake for lunch, lean cuisine for dinner. If you get hunger drink another protein shake or veggie. Also sugar free popsicles. Your Dr should give you a pre surgery diet program.

[SageTracey 608]

Your surgeon and his/her team should be providing you with all of this information, especially as different teams provide different guidelines. Ask questions! (Yes, you have asked here, but I am suggesting that your health professional is your best source for this sort of question.)

And I am curious about the HCG diet. From what little I have heard it seems rather extreme and unproven. Has your surgeon recommended it or does he/she have another pre-op dietary requirement.

Take care of your health.As you said, you can't afford to fail.

Wishing you great success!

[54Shirley 105]

I would do the standard high Protein, Low Carb. diet. 800-1200 calories a day, 60-80 Gof protein a day.

Your surgeon will tell you what he wants you to do.

I would listen to him.

[NYMoMof3 0]

I wasnt required to go on a diet pre-op, just Clear Liquids 24 hrs before and no food or drink after midnight. his is determined by how much you have to lose and how much fat is in you stomach area. Many Drs ask patients to go on a 2 wk diet to reduce the size of the liver during surgery. My Dr made me see a nutrionist, who gave me a list of when and what to eat. After surgery, the first 5-6 weeks, your on a mushy diet and need 50 grams of Protein a day and 64 oz of fluids. Im in week 3 and my list has cream of wheat, ricotta, cottage cheese, applesauce, Protein Shakes, chili from wendys, Soups, flaked fish, shgredded meats (moistened), etc. There are tons of websites with me u ideas for us. Good Luck!

[betheboo 40]

Take a deep breath! Don't panic u'll b ok! R u starting to change ur diet & exercise now? If so u shouldn't need hcg... When u start out on Proteins canned chicken, tuna, lunch meat all work well Does ur doctors office have.a nutrtionist? The main thing is that u want to speak to a person who knows aboit lapband. Im 6 months out & dwn 64 lbs & Im meeting with my docs nutritionist this week when I get my fill. They are a great resource. There r tons of support groups, finding one shouldnt b hard.

[Miller.ted 3]

I am scheduled for surgery 12/12/11 I am going to do the HCG diet 4 weeks before to lose that 20 - 25 pounds ahead of time. I have a diet, a surgeon, payments all taken care off. That was the easy part. SO no I am panicing on the how tos. I dont seem to have a good grasp on when I eat what I eat, when do I start the Protein. What is the right Protein for me. Should I see a nutrionist? The one at Strax is physicians weight loss, and I want some input from someone not trying to sell me something.

I am nervous I am going to do this and fail. I cant afford to fail. I CANT AFFORD TO FAIL!! My husband and family deserve so much more. What do I do?

I need more info on,

accclimating into the diet, when do you start protein.

suport meetings, any suggestions on South Florida??

When do I Start work outs?

Any input would be great!!

Just start two weeks before unless insurance is makingyou do 4 weeks. The reason for this diet is to get you ready for the after dietissues and to shrink your liver to make it easier to get to your stomach andhernia if you have one. Most WLS patients have them. I did a liquid diet forthe first two days. 1000 calories. Then on the third day until the last twodays you can add a lean cuisine or similar less than 300 calories. This isincluded in the 1000 calorie diet. Then on the second and last day beforesurgery you go back on just liquids. My liquids were cream Tomato Organic wasthe best tasting( onion Soup, chicken broth and Mushroom were alright), V8light juice, Crystal Light, Water Protein drinks twice a day. Make sure to getabout 60-90 grams of protein. Most came from the Protein Drinks. It’s not thathard to get the items it’s just the damn repetition. I would try and locate a nutritionistthat works with WL people as they know the plan and diet. Yes my nutritionisttried selling me their Amway crap. You just need a Multivitamin and try achewable or liquid option. I was told Do not take any Vitamins until 4 weeksafter surgery. Let me know if you have any questions. I am now 1 week post opand it’s not easy but the rewards are so exciting. I cannot wait until 6 monthsout or even better 1 year. Again, just IM me If you need any more info!

[bromo 17]

Follow your surgeon's directions. They should have a nutrionist on board for you to talk to regarding your questions about what to eat. Call their office and ask questions. That is what you pay them for.

[CheckYes 46]

I didn't get all the information from my surgeon until about a month before surgery. You've got plenty of time. Try to stay calm. Only follow your doctors orders!