Surgery in a month... gulp... any tips?

[The 147]

It's my first time here and I decided to join because the warmth and candour of your discussions is genuinely inspirational.

I'm a little bit overwhelmed by the prospect of going under the knife in six weeks. I can't wait but nevertheless the prospect has stirred up all sorts of emotions - from fear to odd things like the anxiety about telling my five (he would correct me and say 'five and a half') year old son that his Dad is going into hospital. Everything seems scarily abstract and I'm imagining a lot about what could go wrong. I see the dietitian in nine days, so I suppose that will help me feel that this is more real - tangible is good for my sense of control.

In the meantime I wonder do you have any tips?

How did you prepare? What's the right mindset to go in with? How did you feel about the surgery before it happened?

Thanks in advance,

Jx

[James Marusek 5,244]

Since you are at the beginning of this process, I would recommend three things.

1. Take a good before photograph of yourself, so that you have something to compare to after surgery. Many times we are blind to our obesity. We do not see ourselves. Therefore when the weight begins to drop off rather dramatically, we question if this is really happening. Photographs are a good visualization of our success. Many people carry a before and after photo with them, just to remind themselves of their success.
2. Walk 30 minutes each day, every day until surgery (or equivalent exercise). Walking helps the recovery process go smoothly and minimized the pain levels from surgery.
3. Wean yourself from caffeine and carbonated beverages now. After I gave up my 6 diet coke a day habit, I suffered from a week of severe withdrawal syndrome consisting of severe headaches and body aches. I was miserable. You don't want to combine the effects of caffeine withdrawal with the effects of surgery.

[The 147]

Since you are at the beginning of this process, I would recommend three things.

1. Take a good before photograph of yourself, so that you have something to compare to after surgery. Many times we are blind to our obesity. We do not see ourselves. Therefore when the weight begins to drop off rather dramatically, we question if this is really happening. Photographs are a good visualization of our success. Many people carry a before and after photo with them, just to remind themselves of their success.
2. Walk 30 minutes each day, every day until surgery (or equivalent exercise). Walking helps the recovery process go smoothly and minimized the pain levels from surgery.
3. Wean yourself from caffeine and carbonated beverages now. After I gave up my 6 diet coke a day habit, I suffered from a week of severe withdrawal syndrome consisting of severe headaches and body aches. I was miserable. You don't want to combine the effects of caffeine withdrawal with the effects of surgery.

[The 147]

Thanks James, I can see the wisdom in all three.

[Sadiebug 206]

One thing to add to what James said about before pictures - take before measurements!!! I am kicking myself because I didn't start taking measurements until about 3 months post surgery so I don't have a 'starting' point to use as comparison

Another thing that I really wish I had done before surgery is to get out a few little dishes and measure out the amounts of food you will be eating right after surgery (for me it was 2 oz per meal but ask your dietitian). I struggled a ton the first couple of weeks mentally because I could not wrap my brain around that tiny amount of food compared to the huge portion sizes I was used to. Also start slowing down your eating now - take a full 30 minutes to eat your meals and force yourself not to drink until 30 minutes after you're done eating. Not drinking liquids with meals still feels foreign to me.

I do remember that a few weeks before surgery I just zoned out and felt like I was just going through the motions. I got very emotional any time I thought about it. I had plenty of feelings of "what in the heck am I about to do?" and even feelings of "should I back out of this?" That is all totally normal and I kept reminding myself and making lists of all of the reasons why I decided on this surgery (and those lists are great to look back on during your journey!)

Best of luck to you!!!

[smiles01 13]

this is great my surgery is July 31. thank you

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[KittyV 27]

Just to be a smart ass, my tip would be , do not gulp! Take small sips and bites.

Be prepared. Have high Protein foods in your house at all times. I bought tupperware that had measurements. Then when I got to solids, I bought a scale. This helps until you are able to judge the correct portions. Walking is great, but each week push yourself a little more. By my two week post op I was walking 2 Miles a day. At 6 weeks, I was starting to run and did 3 miles. By 5 months I did my first 5k in 39 minutes.

Take it one day at a time! You will do great!

Kitty

[Tarver11 21]

All very helpful tips, my surgery date is set for 7/11!

[lindabalseca 373]

All very helpful tips, my surgery date is set for 7/11!

Mine is 7/26 [emoji119]

[K_aane 356]

My surgery is in July and something I keep in my head more and more everyday are the words of,Tony,Robbins. "Whatever you hold in your mind on a consistent basis is exactly what you experience in life." I have had my freak out moments and my frustrations with the 6 mo process. But now I am all Tony for this last month.
I see myself going in the operating room and waking from surgery hearing the words, you did great! Then I see that mental picture in my head of me , 100lbs lighter, smiling alot, comfortable in my clothes, walking with ease..most of all dancing again and that is what I am holding onto.
Find your happy place and stay there. Pretty soon, you will really be there,

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[bigperm 16]

Congrats july-ers I'm July 24th long time coming im really starting to get my diet dialed in and reading everything wls related and journaling and walking and doing some yoga I feel like I'm really focused on success and ready to lose some weigh!!

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