Advise Needed

[Bariatric_girlie 15]

Hi Guys, I'm scheduled for my surgery on September 15th. Ever since I got my surgery date I've been pounding food whatever I can get my hands on. This is super upsetting because I know it can mess up my chances of having the surgery and it will only make it harder for me once I can't eat food anymore.

Furthermore I'm abroad for my sisters wedding until 5th September and I'm going to need to start my pre op diet on the 1st September.

I'm just worried I'm not taking it seriously enough and need a kick up the butt to get back on track.

Would really appreciate the support or to hear if anyone else went through this and tips on how you got through it.

[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.

[Gabbee 53]

Don't beat yourself up about it. I can't tell you how many "last suppers" I had before starting my pre-op liquid diet. I spent the two weeks before eating every last piece of junk that I could get my hands on. By the time I had to start the liquid diet, I was kind of ready to take a break from food for awhile.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not recommending you do this at all. If you can abstain now that will be much better for you in the long run. But if you can't do it now, it doesn't mean you're not taking it seriously or that you won't be able to stick with it for you surgery. I handled my liquid diet like a champ and didn't cheat once. Part of the reason I binged was because I knew it would be the last time. It was my goodbye to my old self and lifestyle.

You can do it! Don't let your brain tell you you can't!

[Bariatric_girlie 15]

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.

Thank you!! That is really good advice.

[Bariatric_girlie 15]

Don't beat yourself up about it. I can't tell you how many "last suppers" I had before starting my pre-op liquid diet. I spent the two weeks before eating every last piece of junk that I could get my hands on. By the time I had to start the liquid diet, I was kind of ready to take a break from food for awhile.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not recommending you do this at all. If you can abstain now that will be much better for you in the long run. But if you can't do it now, it doesn't mean you're not taking it seriously or that you won't be able to stick with it for you surgery. I handled my liquid diet like a champ and didn't cheat once. Part of the reason I binged was because I knew it would be the last time. It was my goodbye to my old self and lifestyle.

You can do it! Don't let your brain tell you you can't!

Your so kind. Thank you for the support. I'm glad I'm not alone