Scared Straight! New Dad/husband, Thinking About Vgs- Please Help!

[JerseyGirl1979 4]

No I am having mine done at Saint Frances in Memphis tn... Dr. Weaver

[lollyfidy1965 402]

wow. thank you all so very much! from the bottom of my heavy heart, i can't thank you all enough for taking the time out to help me. i agree, being at my current weight is really dangerous for my health. And i know it's really risky to be this big. probably more of a risk than the surgery, you're correct. what about eating and drinking? does everyone wait 30 minutes before or after a meal to drink something? how small are the portions? can you eat 1/2 a burger etc? how about coffee, soda, beer, or regular alcohol ? can you have any. i know i shouldn't want any of these things, i'm just curious. I am trying to eliminate them all from my diet as we speak, including, chinese food, pizza, all soda (including diet) and chips and ice cream! any additional tips is appreciated. thanks again and God Bless you all !!!

I do whatever my surgeon/nutritionist told me to do. Yes...I stop drinking 30 minutes before I eat, and I wait 30 minutes after I eat to drink again. My surgeon said no alcohol (of any kind), after surgery, so I don't drink anything alcoholic. I was told to significantly limit (or eliminate if possible) simple starches from my diet...so I don't eat pastas, breads, rice, or potatoes (and I don't plan to start eating them again...ever). I was told no carbonated beverages...of any kind..after surgery, and no drinking from a straw....so I don't drink anything carbonated (and won't ever again), and I'll never use a straw again. I was told to eliminate added sugars from my diet, as much as humanly possible....so I don't eat anything sweetened with sugars (including ice creams, syrups, puddings, Desserts, etc). Granted, my surgeon's approach is very conservative (compared to many on this site), but I figure...he has way more experience with this than me....and I'm paying him a LOT of money for his experience....he probably has reasons for all the behavior changes he recommends...right??

So....do whatever your program tells you do to. Take every suggestion seriously. Read as much as you can on the topic of food addiction (I highly recommend "The End of Overeating"), and learn as much as you can about the psychological implications associated with dramatically changing your relationship with food. You are wise to begin making those changes now....it will make your post-op process much easier, if you eliminate "bad" foods from your diet now. Also, get in the habit of using small utensils (bowls, plates, spoons, forks) when you eat, and to taking at least 30 minutes to eat a meal...taking very small bites, and chewing til the bite is liquid in your mouth before you swallow it. Another tip...start tracking everything you consume...now...so that tracking is second-nature to you, by the time you're ready to start tracking after your surgery. (And if you hadn't considered food tracking, it really is a critical tool for managing your weight loss process!)

[takroom 192]

RxKid- I think everyone is giving you some great advice. So, here's my 2 cents worth: I don't have a nutritionist but, my Dr told me that I can basically have what I want but to chose wisely & eat everything in moderation. As with anyone who is going to make the decision to have surgery, you're going to go thru a lot of different emotions. It's completely natural & you should write down all your questions & concerns & present them to your Dr.. I wish you the best of luck & you should be proud of yourself for being such a great dad to want to take the necessary steps toward living a happier, healthier life...

[rybecca20 160]

I have to say I was a lot like you I had no issues like sugar loos pressure or even sleep apnea no cholesterol problems. But once they got in there they found I had a huge fatty liver that was going to kill me!! This surgery saved my life. Had no idea. So maybe you feel like the weight is not affecting you but you never really know. Good luck!

[twoolley 141]

I am 29, my son is 5 years old and although my wife works, they couldn't afford everything if something happened to me during surgery.

Going into the surgery I had $500K in life insurance in addition to my work's coverage. I also told my wife that I wanted to be cremated if anything happened and that no matter what happens I love her and this was 100% my decision to do this so whatever happened was my own doing. It's reality and there are serious risks involved. You should be prepared for the worse.

All that being said, I was sleeved on October 10th without any complications. It's the greatest thing I've ever done for myself.

[rxkid2384 28]

simply amazing and incredible!!! I don't just 'like' your comments, I "LOVE" all of them. thanks again to all of you. Yes - I am getting my surgery done at Mass.General Hospital in Boston. The Hospital is Ranked #1 in the Nation. Not sure where they rank for weight loss surgeries but I'm sure they're great at it. Yeah I mean, I'm not afraid of missing out on soda or coffee or fast food or anything. I can and will go without, seriously. I just wish I could know I'll be ok and make it out alive without complications. that is why I am trying my absolute best to work on my weight and health now. I pray I will be ok and I will have faith.

[Donny 270]

You will be great bud! And everyone on here is amazing! I have found no matter how off the wall your questions/comments/concerns are you have a huge family here that will support you!!! Dig through progress pics on here and keep asking questions, that's what I did and I'm safely and happily on the other side of this surgery!

[bigsleeve56 266]

Start working on Protein Shakes and learning what food to eat after it will help you feel like you have some control. I stareted at 423 and had surgery 8-14 and now weigh under 330 it will be worth it. I was the healthy fat guy until the last 4 years then $200,000 in dr bills and I decided to fix it. It does work

[kimmy*custis 276]

You can do this! It is worth it to be healthy for your family...they need you! We are all here to support you, we were all in your shoes not long ago....and it was the best decision I have ever made!