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Prior to my surgery, I had to attend one general informational session, one support group, one psychological assessment, got clearances from a heart doctor, a pulmonologist, and my PCP, and attended a 3-hour seminar on what to eat during each phase of the process. I started my pre-op diet on May 15, and follow the diet to a "T" -- twelve days of the following (no more, no less): 1 cup low-fat soup (cream or tomato) 1 cup veggies (carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, or iceberg lettuce), with optional 1-2 tbsp fat-free dressing ½ cup of each of the following: sugar-free pudding, sugar-free applesauce, fat-free yogurt, and oatmeal. 3 protein shakes 48-64 oz. water The doctor said the pre-op diet was to reduce the fat around my liver, but it had some great psychological benefits as well. I savored every bite I took, took my time to eat and enjoy it, used smaller utensils and plates. Surprisingly this filled me up, thanks to the protein shakes and yogurt. I went to a restaurant with family and ordered only water, I brought my own meals to barbecues with friends and did not cheat once. It felt very empowering! Also a bit frustrating as my friends tried to push their food on me -- "Are you sure you don't want to try this? It's really good. One bite won't mess up your diet." I sat there very happy with my soup and salad, and finally shut them up by asking if they wanted to try my delicious iceberg lettuce and cream of tomato soup. The final day of pre-op (the day before surgery) was clear liquids only. I drank a gallon+ of water, and ate about 4 sugar-free jello cups. I did go to bed hungry that night but happy to do so because I knew what was coming next. My husband and I are avid boaters with lots of friends in the boating community who we spend most evenings and weekends with. Two days before my surgery, we had 7 of my girlfriends on our boat and one of them took a group photo. There they all were looking cute in their bikinis, and there I was looking fat and frumpy in my t-shirt and jean shorts. Any nerves or qualms I felt about the surgery were instantly gone when I saw the photo. I was ready! The surgery itself on May 28 went well. It took about 2 hours, and my surgeon also repaired a hiatal hernia. I did have one problem in the recovery room. Apparently my body can't handle opioids very well, and every time I pushed the pump for more pain medicine I would fall asleep and then quit breathing. I had a dedicated nurse who was closely monitoring this. She quickly contacted my surgeon who recommended a dose of Narcan to reverse the effects of the opioids, and then ordered only manual doses of pain meds. If it weren't for the constant care of the recovery nurse, it could have been a bad situation. I spent one night in the hospital, where they encouraged me to walk the halls, and even refused to discharge me until I did so. I took and passed a second leak test the 2nd day. They sent me home with an abdominal binder (#gamechanger), a pill crusher, and prescriptions for pain, nausea, cramps, and reflux. I have 6 purple incisions on my belly -- they aren't bruised, the glue they used is purple. It feels like a scab, and will fall off on their own in 1-2 weeks. I am up and walking around, even up and down stairs, although more than about 8 minutes at a time is exhausting and painful. But each time gets easier. Tomorrow I start the puree phase of my post-op diet. Protein shakes, applesauce, pudding, cream of wheat, yogurt. Nothing with anything but a smooth consistency, so I can puree canned fruits & veggies, fish, etc. Twenty days of that, then on to soft foods. At 6 weeks I will no longer have restrictions but plan to eat most of the same (eggs, fish, lean chicken, veggies, etc.). Thanks to everyone here who have shared their stories, challenges and victories. It really has been helpful for me, and I'm sure many others.

That's freaky! 🙂

Actually, I think you KNOW the answer to this. Why? Cuz this behavior is sending alarm signals to your rational mind. And you have begun changing your standards. This behavior is aberrant to your new core values. So it is setting up a contradiction. And that always brings stress. I do not think any of us are 100% perfect. Nor do I think any of us can expect to look at food "as only fuel"--ever! LOL. Cuz it is so much more. Our gut which manufactures 90% of the seratonin in our body makes sure of that. Food is fuel, fun, pleasure, reward, punishment, security, celebration, drug. So. Much. Stuff. I also think that morale seldom improves with beatings. You just have to accept a choice, catalog it, determine whether it helped or harmed, then decide what you want to do with the next best choice. Then you shrug and move on. But you don't in my honest opinion, tell yourself that your aberrant behavior is ok. It just "is". Right? No judgement attached. And it certainly isn't a treat. Is it a treat to harm your body with a big wad of insulin? Is it a treat to alarm your pancreas by suddenly loading it with highly available sugar influx that has to be neutralized quickly? Is it a treat to alarm your brain into a binge response? I don't think so. It sounds like you don't either. But it still happens to all of us. It's human. What I do think we have to do is reframe behaviors with food. I don't know about you, but I ENJOY healthy deeply nutritious foods. It tastes great. I don't feel deprivation. So food is fuel but brings me great satisfaction now. And when I'm faced with the tortilla chips I will make lateral changes after making plans to incorporate the tortilla chips in my daily menu. I'll bring pork rinds in my purse and have 3-4 real tortilla chips, then 3-4 pork rinds with salsa, guac, or queso. No big huge cheat. Instead of a cookie, I might have a couple of squares of a Quest protein bar candy bar that I cut into 8 pieces and freeze for emergencies...or a 1/2c of Enlighten or Halo Top Ice Cream. And I don't feel guilty or tempted to carry on with the highly caloric foods. Here's a good thread you might want to check out.

Hello folks. I'm new to this whole fitness tracker technology. I keep hearing about how good and how handy this devices are. I would love to know more about them if anybody has any experience to share and a vote on which is best? I want something to track all my steps, calories burned, heart rate, sleeping, any movements, possible to sync with mobile phone? I've heard some play music, some show text messages and notification? Some have alarms to wake up? Really looking into getting one to fit my big wrists and to keep myself motivated and track my daily life once I have the surgery! Tnx for all your input! P.s currently looking at fit bit 3 or Samsung gear fit Pro 2

I've got Fitbit Inspire HR. It has all functions of Fitbit Charge 3 but costs $50 less. It tracks everything you mentioned, including sleep. It shows texts messages, emails and notifications from my calendar. Doesn't play music. I read about it here on BP, bought 2 weeks ago and love it!

Hey ya'll I just wanted to update. Checked again with my insurance I do not need PCP and the attending physician performing the surgery has to be the one to submit everything which is great. I have a group policy through Anthem BCBS of Wisconsin. Since I have posted here I talked to the doctor's office about 4 times. This week I have called twice just to make sure there is not anything else that I needed to do or submit. My file is still "in queue" waiting to be sent or "paperwork being gathered" to be sent. My issue with seeking out a random PCP is the thought that they would have me do even more blood work and labs just to tell me I am pre-diabetic, blood pressure and cholesterol levels are normal (thank goodness)...et cetra. My surgeon requires everyone to see a gastroentologist like 2 months in. I have had ultrasounds and scans, an upper endoscopy, and other blood work. You all have been a lot of help I work in insurance but it is still so mind blowing how different policies/providers require different things before submitting.

I am maintaing now. And still losing Sent from my LG-TP450 using BariatricPal mobile app

Just wishing you the best and a speedy recovery! I'm sure you will do amazing Sent from my SM-G960U using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm so sorry you're having pain. I was one of the lucky ones that didn't have any pain at all. Be sure you get your fluids in, you don't want to dehydrate and have to be hospitalized. Take care.

I know OA uses the 12-steps and I am NOT A FAN. I just want to talk to people with similar issues. I guess I could go and not actually follow the steps, but use it to talk? Arrrghhh. Maybe a friend will go with me the first time.