Getting Ready...Kind of

[SparkleCat 521]

I am getting all my ducks in a row for surgery in April....compared to many of y'all, I am pretty lucky...I don't have a whole lot of hoops to jump through. Basically I need:

1. 3 month supervised "diet"

2. 3 day liquid pre-op diet.

3. meet with a social worker and a nutritionist (already done...easy peasy)

4. PCP clearance

I don't think I have to lose any weight on my 3 month "diet"...which is a good thing, because I am probably gaining! I have been trying to incorporate post op diet basics into my current diet (low carb, no caffeine, higher Protein, no smoking) to get ready, but the second I leave my house I hit a minefield of food funerals...my thinking has been "You had better eat this now, who knows if you will ever get a chance again!"

I feel like a bottomless pit that can never get filled...for example, this morning...I woke up and made a fried egg with turkey sausage and a little cheese, finished it in 10 seconds flat. As soon as I finish typing, I will probably grab a greek yogurt from the fridge. I saw a picture of a donut online and all I can think about is stopping by the donut place on the way to work to get one or three. I have been taking my lunch to work...which is good...but am snacking constantly throughout the day on snack mix, m&m's, candy from my neighbor's desk and if there happens to be a birthday...I am not saying no to the treats that are being passed around...basically all my good intentions are being blown to heck by my inability to say "No" to food.

While I am grateful for less hoops...I do believe there is something to be said for a more strict diet to get you mentally and physically prepared. I am floundering and a little worried about how I am going to handle life after the sleeve. We all know we can diet...all of us have gone on strict, unrealistic diets and have been successful...in the short term. Hell, I spent 5 months on HCG...500 calories a day...no fat, no carbs and lost 50 lbs (all gained back as of today), but I am having a hard time transitioning to the diet required by the sleeve.

Hoping everything will start coming into focus the closer I get to surgery....I hate feeling so out of control

Edited February 12, 2014 by SparkleCat

[Noor1969 150]

You poor thing! I also did the HCG scam last year too. I went to a doctor who was featured on Dr. Oz and she cost an arm and a leg. I've gained back just about all of the 60 pounds I lost. I get sleeved on the 18th and am feeling the same fears as you are. I had a lot of food funerals but that only resulted in my gaining 10 pounds and I had to lose it all over again on the preop diet. We have to remember that we are taking a huge step in improving our health and this is not just another diet, but a complete lifestyle change. You can do this!

[MegaBob 46]

I will state the obvious, you will struggle on the sleeve if you can't control your cravings. Two problem arise, first you will feel tortured by not being able to eat what your brain wants. Second, your chances of keeping the weight off, or even losing a significant amount, will drastically go down unless you re-program your thinking. If you are struggling that bad, find an overeaters anonymous and start going. When I am feeling weak and want to eat something a should not I ask myself is it worth it, in terms of calories and the feelings of guilt I will feel after. The more good choices I make the stronger I get. Nothing tastes as good as skinny and healthy feels.

Tips on how to transition: 1) don't change everything at once. work on Water, not smoking, Protein or whatever it is for a few days, then tackle something else. 2) count your calories. I use myfitness pal. It helps me stop when I am out of calories, and gives me permission to eat more if I have calories left. 3) reduce calories in stages. depending on how much time you have, start at 2,750 day, and each week reduce it by 250, until you get to 10 x your goal weight or no less than 1,500. 4) get some exercise. anything to get your heart rate up helps.

My doctor said if if his patients don't lose on the pre surgery diet he won't do the surgery because the key to the sleeve is following the rules.

Good luck to you! I made the mental turn when I admitted I was a food addict, I was going to die if I did not change, and getting healthy was more important than how something tastes.

[SparkleCat 521]

I am definitely doing everything at once...quit smoking, quit caffeine, threw out all the crap food from my pantry. Quitting a 20 year smoking addiction has definitely NOT helped my Quest to change/quit my food addiction.

I truly hate calorie counting...I have spent my entire adolescent and adult life on diets and counting calories, but will do it in order to get in the right head space. WLS is my last stop...I just can't get on the diet hamster wheel again...which is why, I think, I am having such a hard time committing right now...I feel like I am on a diet rather than changing my perception of food. I think it will come in time, but right now it is feeling too familiar.

Tips on how to transition: 1) don't change everything at once. work on Water, not smoking, Protein or whatever it is for a few days, then tackle something else. 2) count your calories. I use myfitness pal. It helps me stop when I am out of calories, and gives me permission to eat more if I have calories left. 3) reduce calories in stages. depending on how much time you have, start at 2,750 day, and each week reduce it by 250, until you get to 10 x your goal weight or no less than 1,500. 4) get some exercise. anything to get your heart rate up helps.

[jallsop 39]

Quitting smoking is so tough! Been there! I know that my surgeon won't even do the sleeve unless someone has been "smoke free" for six months. I would allow that to be your focus right now and get over that hump. I couldn't imagine dieting and quitting at the same time. I used Chantix 3 yrs ago when I quit. Worked wonders for me, have heard lots say they didn't like it (nightmares, stomach upset). Maybe talk with your PCP about options for smoke cessation and maybe just focus on that. In the meantime you could try adding more Protein to your diet and maybe cut calories slowly as mentioned by the last poster. Good luck! I know it's tough. If I could just follow a low calorie diet I wouldn't need this surgery!!!! Lol!!

[SparkleCat 521]

I have been smoke free since December 30 and am super proud of myself! My surgeon didn't require it, but it really was time for me to stop.

I probably should give myself a break....but I have a horrible habit of completely overthinking everything!