10 Days Out!

[ArtDLG 16]

SITREP:

Hello everyone, getting close! I am a 40 year old, Retied 20 year US Army who has been struggling with my weight since 2006.

I did my ultra-sound for my liver, gallbladder, and kidneys among a few of the organs I’m assuming need to be checked out, results for them technician went VERY well. I’ll see my doctor, Dr. Parker at Walter Reed Medical Hospital this Wednesday along with the other specialist in preparation for my surgery on the 30^th.

Current Diet / Exercise Plan:

Height 5ft 6in

Starting Weight: 249lbs June 2014

Current Weight: 238lbs October 2014

Goal Weight: 170lbs

The 2 week liquid diet, I have been not following it to a “T”, I guess…what I have been doing is a two liquid one meal a day plan, leading into a pure liquid starting on the Monday (three days out). I have also been doing plenty of exercise to ensure the blood is flowing, at least an hour of cardio (3 miles / 45min treadmill and strength workout) 3 to 4 days out of the week. I kind of feel that I have really not started my liquid diet per the "plan", do you think it will be an issue?

Overall:

I am getting VERY excited, I cannot wait for my surgery, because all I hear are nothing but POSTIVE results, a few minor issues, but 9/10 are VERY successful, basically people are “reborn” and this is what I want. I want to be able to do the things I used to do when I was 25-28 and I know I can.

I think considering my current health and weight, I’m doing pretty good, no major issues!!!

Any thoughts, concerns with my diet plan will be greatly appreciated!!

[McButterpants 2,846]

First - thank you to you for your service to our country.

Second - start following your pre-op diet as it is specified, even if you are exercising. Your doc wants you on that particular diet for a reason, you should follow it. If you're concerned about the amount of calories you're getting in vs. what you're expending, discuss with him/her if you can add. I was not approved to put fruit in my shakes in the beginning, but like you was exercising and needed "a little more" to keep me going - I only did this after I talked to the nutritionist at the surgeon's office. You don't want to run the risk of them saying "you didn't follow the plan, I'm not going to operate" - that would suck!

"Reborn" is a great way to put it. I feel like I am finally living the life I was meant to live...You've been struggling since 2006 - that's long enough and be proud of the fact you haven't lost decades. I've struggled with my weight since 1988 - that's too many years/decades to lose. You're taking control - you should be proud.

Best of luck to you!

[ArtDLG 16]

I appreciate that, and I will make sure I get back on track!

[alwaysvegas 702]

The pre-op diet was SO important for me. I had a two week liquid-only pre-op and the same post-op so a full month of liquids only. The two weeks pre-op was a bit more difficult, but I lost 25 pounds during that one month period. In retrospect, it was the best start to my post-op life.

The liquid diet also really reset my taste buds so that I required much less intense foods (spicy, fatty, sugary, etc.) to satisfy me.

The liquid diet post-surgery was a snap. I was excited that I was able to get in liquids so easily and I actually felt full on the liquids because my tummy was so small. I've been fortunate in that I've had almost no problems tolerating anything, but I'm still gravitating toward "simple" foods like cottage cheese, tuna, chicken, cheese sticks, egg whites. And yet I feel more satisfied than before surgery.

Your workout schedule sounds great. Pre-surgery I was going 4-5 days to the gym and doing 3 days of strength + cardio and two days of cardio only. I keep my workouts to a max of 1 hour. Post-surgery I scaled it back a bit and dropped the intensity due to the very limited caloric intake. Today I've taken in about 500 calories and I burned 600 at the gym. I'm still 100 in the hole! lol! It's crazy. Point is, you may have to cut down your workouts post-surgery to ensure you're getting in enough liquids (64oz minimum is my doctor's orders) and a reasonable amount of calories offset by the workouts.

Best of luck to you on your journey!

Edited October 19, 2014 by AlwaysVegas

[BitterSweet* 835]

My, what a beautifully decorated uniform. You are awesome, thank you for your service, and good luck with surgery!

[downsizingdiva 459]

You rock!

[SportCub 28]

Good luck with everything! It sounds like your surgery date is fast approaching. Let us know how you are doing!

[kyamjo 0]

Dr.Parker is my Dr also. I just started my journey. I found out when I went to a surgeon on Fort Belvoir for hernia repair. He said he wanted me to consider Bariatric surgery, because of complications with my diabetes and my BMI I would be a perfect canidate. They sent me over to Dr.Parker that day. I told them we were PCSing in Janurary. Next thing I know I was getting calls from offices to make appointments and a memorandom was getting written for more time. It has been a whirl wind. Please keep me up dated. I want to know how it is and how you are. I am nervous. I will be starting my group sessions next week. Hope everything goes great. I am excited for you.