Doing horrible on the pre-op diet...Anyone else?

[LAURIE290 6]

According to my insurance company, I must see my dietician 6 times over a 6 month period. I am going in for my fourth and have only lost about 12 pounds. I think I am so nervous that I'm actually sabotaging my progress! The surgery itself does not scare me. The thought of putting myself/my health first is so foreign and feels frightening. I have 2 toddlers and the need to get back to my career. I've been a stay at home mother for almost 3 years. So many changes at once! Can someone please tell me if they have had a similar experience or know how to balance all of these nerve wracking issues.

[plain 12]

Hi Laurie. First of all, hang in there. Losing 12 lbs is great. Is there a "magic number" your doc or insurance set before you have your surgery?

You're doing fine. Everybody has, to some degree, a little apprehension regarding the surgery. It's totally normal.....so no worries! Again, just hang in there. Good luck!

[LAURIE290 6]

Thank you, plain. You're right...I know, but it definitely helps to hear it!

[AngieW_RN 0]

According to my surgeon's office, all that matters is that you lose and do not gain during the pre-op medically managed weight loss program. I worked with my dietitian to make a list of goals and decide which ones to work on at which times. For instance, I needed to give up drainking diet soda, so for the first month I limited it to one a day, then one on days that I work, and then finally none. I didn't lose much weight, but it eased me inot the lifestyle changes that I needed to make before my surgery, and I think that is the point of the 3 or 6 month waiting period. I only lost 5 pounds in 4 months and my insurance approved me within a day of getting my info. So, 12 pounds in 4 months sounds great! My advice to you is to make a list of goals, and decide what you can do before surgery to achieve them.

[LAURIE290 6]

I can't tell you how helpful that advice is, Angie. My dietitian has mentioned making small changes as you said, but the appointments are so quick and I was never really sure if I had done what they would consider "enough." I have also cut out my soda (not an easy one!), learned to eat at the table rather than the TV (most of the time), and add a small Breakfast to my diet rather than skip the meal. I suppose baby steps may be the way to get there. I do worry that the 10 day liquid diet is going to hit me like a ton of bricks, though! I'm crossing my fingers and trying to replace a meal with a shake here & there. We'll see! Thanks for the info!

[WhyW8 0]

Hang in there. Just think of how much easier it'll be to get on the floor to play with your kids, bike with them, keep up with them.

[LAURIE290 6]

I wonder if I can remember how to ride a bike?? Wow...never thought I'd do that again!