lifestyle changes

[nursejenny07 401]

Hello All!

I've started incorporating a lot of changes into my daily routine to get ready for life after surgery. My insurance company requires 6 months of hospital classes before I can get surgery, but in a way that's great, because it gives me a lot of time to prepare. I'm making a few changes at a time, that way they're easier to manage, and when it comes time for surgery (hopefully July or August) it won't be such a shock. The first two changes I'm making are eliminating soda, and not eating during meals. I'll admit, cutting out soda hasn't been very difficult (I love those MIO drinks...which I was happy to find out didn't contain caffeine), but not drinking immediately before, during, or after meals is HARD!! I never really thought about how much I drink with my meals, but I'm having to remind myself not to reach for my Water while I'm eating. I feel thirsty, but I'm reminding myself that after surgery there are a variety of reasons why I won't be able to drink with meals, so I need to get used to it! I'm also doing my best to eat smaller portions, chew well, and take at least 20 minutes to eat a meal. So far, so good.

I completed my first class on Friday. It was about mindful eating. I learned some great things that I can use in daily life that will help me not only decrease how much I eat, but enjoy what I DO eat more.

I'm still so excited about my surgery. Finally making what I have wanted my whole life a reality...to look and feel better! I told my dad about having surgery, I was nervous after how my grandparents reacted, but he was so supportive. He almost made me cry! He said to me "baby, I'm so happy for you. You're doing this for the right reasons, and you're going to feel so much better afterward!" WOW. So lucky to have him as my dad!

Well, I waned to open it up to all of the other pre-ops on here and see what kind of changes you're making NOW to be ready for surgery later? How's it going?

Jennifer

[HHHappy 225]

My insurance required 3 month supervised program. I used that time to read everything I could on all the sleeve forums. I listened to people discuss different Protein powders/RTD and bought those that were most popular. I've copied recipes for each stage post op. I quit drinking with my meals. I find it so much harder to do when I'm at a restaurant.

The 3 months has flown by. I now feel like I have a good "arsenal" waiting for me after surgery. lol I will be sleeved next week.

Good luck on your journey! It sounds like you are making some great changes now. You will be glad you did.

[McButterpants 2,846]

I am no longer a pre-op, but I can tell you the things I did to prepare that helped me...

1. quit caffeine - tried to do it cold turkey and failed; took 3 weeks to ween myself off, but was successful (I was a coffee addict and the surgeon required me to be caffeine free when he operated)

2. I started to incorporate shakes into my day - I tried different textures by adding low-glycemic fruit and flavors with puddings and sugar free syrups. Look for a shake that you like, but don't over purchase - your tastes may change post op and you don't want to get stuck with a lot of shakes or mix you won't use.

3. I used appetizer forks and spoons - this helps slow you down and makes you take smaller bites.

4. I downloaded an app called Eat Slower and set it to chime once per minute; when it chimes it's time to take a bite.

5. I practiced mindful eating techniques - no eating in front of the TV or reading while eating. Focus on the meal and be at peace while eating.

6. I practiced chewing - 20-25 times per bite.

7. I started exercising, specifically walking.

Best of luck to you on your journey. It's an exciting time!

[bngarza 14]

I am pre-op as well. I started a little bit at a time too. This was really helpful. It's hard to try to do everything at once. I did one thing at a time for a few days before I added anything else. I also tried differnet Soups and shakes that we on the preop diet before hand. All I can really say is good luck its a tough journey.

[SuperFab 689]

I'm caffein-free, cut out soda, fast foods and any fried foods. No corn, peas or potatoes. I have such a difficult time not drinking while I eat that I'm not even going to get a drink until 30 minutes after I eat.