What Can I Start Doing

[cmk99 39]

I have just found out that I am approved for the surgery however I don't have a date yet. Going on the information I got at my first visit I should be haivng this done end of July, first part of August.

My question is what can I start to do now that will help me deal with the 2 week pre op diet. I have already stopped drinking pop....I just want to make things go as good as possible!!

[gottobeme 81]

Just healthy eating in general. The more you are used to smaller serving sizes and no snacking the easier it is after surgery

[dhales 98]

Clean out your cupboards and fridge of any tempting foods...I found it easier to eliminate junk food from the house...that way when I did get the urge to snack...there were only healthy options available. Stock up on sugar free popsicles. I have a major sweet tooth and they have been a lifesaver.

[WandaO 8]

I agree. I spent the first few weeks on getting off of soda and coffee. Once that was under control I moved to fast food. The last thing I worked on was suger. I took baby steps that way when I did have surgery it wasn't a big deal and I didn't go through alot of withdraw simptoms.

[Sojourner 2,446]

Definitely begin to wean yourself off of caffeine to avoid a major headache later...and I agree with what everyone else has posted about the carbs that may tempt you...

This is the time to begin to change your mindset and thoughts about your relationship with food. If you are aware of any unhealthy eating habits, begin the process of change.

The only other thing I would add is that you should also begin to include exercise into your daily routine if you have not already done so. Find out if your surgeon has a "weight" that you must be under by the time of your pre op appointment, and work your diet and exercise to get there.

I found out about my surgery approval right after returning from a family cruise...along with the "weight" I needed to be under by my pre op appointment...only 2.5 weeks away. Needless to say, I went into a panic mode as I was 6 pounds over the designated number. I don't like to operate under stress...

Best wishes as you move forward with your weight loss journey!

[kbliss78 123]

If you eliminate most or all carbs you will greatly reduce your food cravings making pre op diet easier. You will feel way less hungry. However, your pre opt may even be a low carb or adkins diet. Mine was, I didnt have to do shakes at all. Lost 10 lbs and surgeon was happy. Pre op is to make your liver small enough to do the proceedure so it is not in the way.

You can also practice eating slower and smaller bites. That was and is very hard for me. You cannot take more than one small bite in a minute or 1.5 minutes. It is a very difficult change to adapt to.

Otherwise, I am excited for you!

[cmoody821 44]

The week before I started my 2 week "liver shrinking" diet I started replacing lunch with a Protein Shake. I feel that it has really helped me prepare for going to full liquids next week.

[waitingpatiently 250]

Try to find a Protein shake you like now...it may take you a few before you find the one that you like.

I like jililian Micheals from Walmart. Also enjoy the New whey...they are like kool-aid...i mix them with crystal lights.

I also found that I enjoy mixing the Protein powers with SF syrups...I never even know its in there.

Heres my favorite to get you started.

1oz Carmel SF Syrup

1oz vanilla SF syrup

3oz Favorite coffee (mine is keurig's butter toffee)

3oz Almond Milk

1 scoop vanilla protein power

Blenderize with lots of ice

130calories/16protein/6carbs

I have a Stock My Pantry list. If you would like for me to email it to you just inbox me your email address.

Oh I also liked unjurys chicken broth. It was pretty good and helped get the protein in those first few weeks.

[cmk99 39]

Thank you all so much. I'm going to start making good choices now so it will be less tempting later!!!

You guys are great!!

[honk 780]

I agree about removing unhealthy foods from your home. If they aren't there you can't eat them. I drank diet soda right up to surgery and haven't had any problems giving it up after surgery. Start making good food habits buy shopping the outer edge of the grocery store; that tends to be where the healthiest food is kept.

[316 12]

One of the best advices I got pre-surgery was to buy smaller plates and utensils and start using them. They force you to reduce your portion sizes and the amount of food in each bite. I was able to get used to eating slower and I think that helped me get ready for the post-op way of eating. Other things I did was cut out carbonated beverages and coffee about 2 months before surgery and I stopped drinking with my meals as well. Good luck to you as you begin this journey.