Suggestions for the weeks before surgery?

[Froggie D 1]

I saw my surgeon today and he said I have everything in order for getting approved. Said I should know in a week or so and be set for surgery within 3 weeks. I am excited.:scared2:

I only have to do two days of liquid and lose 3 pounds before surgery. However, I am ready to get started. I need some ideas of things others did that helped get prepared.

I stopped drinking pop 10 days ago - not a bad as I thought it might be.

I have a Protein Powder I like (I am allergic to dairy so I have found a soy product with no carbs, one gram of fat and 24 grams of protein). I have found I like it ok with just Water and Crystal Light. I plan to start having Protein powder drink for Breakfast and lunch and do a Lean Cuisine for dinner. I want to have my protein stores built up and my liver leaner by losing weight before I face the surgery.

I have started on liquid vitamins, Calcium, etc. I plan on seeing my docotr to find out what meds he wants me to continue and how to get liquid or can I crush them.

I would welcome any other suggests of things that helped other people get prepared and do well in surgery and after.

Thanks for your help in this.

Debra:thumbup:

Edited July 17, 2009 by Froggie D

[cyndi2774 0]

Unfortunately, I cannot answer your questions, as I am also pre-op. However, I have a question for you! What's th Protein powder you are using? I am severely lactose intolerant, so i am looking at using one that is soy based. Would love to have a heads up on what someone has found.

[Enchanted 2]

Sounds like you're doing everything that you should be. I'd suggest doing lots of reading, asking all of the questions, and generally getting your head into it before your surgery.

xoox

[Froggie D 1]

I use the store brand that I get at Whole Foods. It is in a blue can and just says Soy Protein Powder on it. A scoop has 110 calories, 1 gram of fat, no sauturated fat, no transfat, and no carbs or sugars. I like the flavor fine, but then I am not very picky. It does have a gritty texture with Water. It would probably mix better with soy milk. It comes in vanilla and chocolate. I hope it works for you. I have not been able to find a ready to drink shake with soy and not a lot of carbs.

[Catherine55 43]

Definitely take your measurements so that you have something to chart your progress against! It's so fantastic to be able to count all of the inches you are losing (not to mention interesting to see where you are losing from)!

Also, one thing I did that one of my lap band books recommended was to write out a "Post Op Plan for Success." It's just a list of the things I committed to do to help myself make the most of being banded. I posted it on my blog about a month ago -- feel free to take a look if you are interested. That was very helpful.

Also, I printed out a calendar and marked out my pre-op diet, post-op liquids and mushies phase. I found it helpful to have it all right in front of me like that, and that also helped me figure out how to deal with social commitments during the weeks right after surgery.

2 days of liquids is not a bad pre-op diet at all. I had to do 3 days, and it was totally fine. The only thing that was stressful for me was being around other people who were eating. I carried boullion cubes in my purse and found it really helpful to be able to have some broth when I couldn't avoid being with others who were eating.

I hope that helps! Congratulations on your surgery!

Catherine

[Froggie D 1]

Thanks for the great ideas. I think I will go get a calendar and a journal and start tracking. I will tak my measurements today and track those. I have decided not to weigh myself at home - I want to wait and get weighed again at the surgeon's office when I do my pre-op. I did have my husband take some "before" pix of me that I hope I never look like again!

Deb