PERTH-Just Booked and freaking out- HELP! No food for the first week or so!? WTF!?

[LouC 1]

Hi All

I went to see the surgeon Monday for the first time...then booked for 23 September.

Now I am starting to freak out about the thought of being on clear fluids and eating absolutely NO food for however long...

I really need to know how everyone else got through this...I am starting to think I need some counselling beforehand...

He did not explain to me whether I needed to fast before the operation but I have seen this on a few sites...I dont know how the hell I can do that either! I expect to receive my information pack tommorrow...

Going with Dr Dolan in Perth WA

Talk to me please

xxxx

[endzone 55]

Hi Lou, congrats on your decision!! I am starting my pre op diet tomorrow.....not gonna be fun, but it is not all liquid, you will probably be allowed veggies also...no meat and no carbs..good luck!!!

[newlifejen 32]

Congrats! This is exciting! I just finished a 10 day liquid only diet. I cheated one time and had two bites of a sandwich because I felt super sick.

I posted a thread call "pre-op diet" that explained what I did. It seemed to work really well for me.

Hope it helps! Good luck to you!

[LouC 1]

Oh lord did you guys have to fast for ages before the surgery?! How?!

[CherieRyde 227]

Congrats to BOTH of you!!

Lets be totally honest. The pre-op diet SUCKS. But it's worth it. Now ... post op will also be a liquid for a bit. The difference is, you won't CARE that it's a liquid only diet for at least the first 2 weeks post op.

You can do it, and it's SO very worth it. I've lost 22lbs since my heaviest weight in May. I've lost *2* dress sizes since my surgery!!

[endzone 55]

Congrats! This is exciting! I just finished a 10 day liquid only diet. I cheated one time and had two bites of a sandwich because I felt super sick. I posted a thread call "pre-op diet" that explained what I did. It seemed to work really well for me. Hope it helps! Good luck to you!

. Jen I saw your post, my dr never mentioned broth and jello..but nice to know I can have them if I need to thanks!!

[CherieRyde 227]

Oh lord did you guys have to fast for ages before the surgery?! How?!

It's not really fasting. I was on a 2 week, mostly liquid pre-op diet. My NUT (nutritionist) prescribed a specific Protein Shake that I had twice a day, and gave me a list of foods that I was allowed to have for my SMALL meal once a day. Also, she gave me a list of things that I could have for morning and afternoon snack. It wasn't horrible.

[CarmenLeAn 99]

I was on a pre op liquid diet for 2 weeks before. A specific Protein Shake up to 4 a day. I got dizzy and called my nurse and she said to eat something that was pure Protein once a day ie...chicken breast, deli meat stuff like that. The 2 weeks after I wasn't hungry so it didn't matter any ways

[LouC 1]

Thanks guys this is good to hear. How do you survive socially? Having dinner with your partner who's eating normal...going out for tea.

Have you drunk alcohol?

Any tips would be fab.

I just rung my surgery who said I'll meet the nutritionist next week and they decide If I'm on Optifast for 1 or two weeks

[cheryl2586 3,053]

The first three days are the worst. After surgery you will care less about eating. You will get though it.

[CherieRyde 227]

Socially ... I didn't worry much about that at all. To be honest, it's easier to eat at home rather than going out during the pre-op diet. My husband and son have been SUPREMELY supportive, and they've adapted their diets to mirror mine as much as they are able (or as much as I'l allow since they need to not starve). Going out with my friends is even easier now. One of my friends had the gastric sleeve surgery, and my other friends are supper supportive. I don't worry at all about the people whom I'm not closely acquainted. They have absolutely no impact on my life. ^.^

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

Pre op was five days Clear liquids. That was hard but short. Post op was six weeks full liquids. That was long but not too bad. Only got weary of it in the last two weeks. Post op I could have cream Soups so I had lobster bisque and other Soups I loved.

Bottom line is that if you are motivated you will do it. It is so incredibly worth it. Don't freak yourself out. You are capable of this and it will change your life. Good luck!

[LouC 1]

You guys are awesome thank you! It's great to talk to others ????

Can you tell me what foods you have difficulty eating now? How much weight did you lose each week? I can't wait to look fab!

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

I only have trouble with pork chops for some reason. Not sure why but after two stuck episodes I'm not trying again. That's the only troublesome food so far. Weight loss was fast in the beginning and moderate now. I exercised more rigorously in the beginning but I walk a lot more now.

[CherieRyde 227]

For me ... any kind of bread is difficult. Also, boiled eggs, pork chops, hamburgers, and grilled chicken are hard for me to eat. I've not tried "normal" vegetables yet since I'm *technically* still on pureed foods. So I'm getting my veg from baby food.

I can handle baked chicken (as long as it's cooked with orange and apple slices, and covered with foil), any and all fish, steaks cooked medium, turkey burgers, scrambled eggs, hot dogs, sausages, bacon cooked medium well (not crispy. Crispy bacon now hurts), quinoa, couscous (only 1/4 cup per meal), baby food veggies, and spaghetti.

Amazingly enough, I don't miss chocolate for a majority of the month. I only miss it when I'm PMSing.