Birdy18

Hi, everyone! My surgery's on the 20th, so a few days after most of you. This pre op liquid diet is THE. PITS. Now that it's the weekend, I dont' trust myself to be out with friends (dinners and bars) and resist temptation. I have 9 more days to go. My NUT recommended the low carb SlimFast shakes and it is horrendous. I've found other shakes that are better, but if I never have one of those again, it'll be too soon. I'm jealous of those of you that get an egg and cheese a day! I'm all liquid for 14 days. The headaches of days 1 and 2 are definitely gone but on day 5, I still would just love a sandwich. I love that the silver lining (for most it seems) is that this is one of the hardest things of the whole journey which in itself is a comfort. Every day on this pre op diet is an absolute struggle for me - one day at a time!!

This comment just made my day more than you could know. I'm on day 4 pre op, 10 to go (fmla;lsdfjsldfkj), currently floating outside of my body.. I. Want. A. Sammich. But somehow knowing others are supportive, that this could potentially be the worst of it all things considered, and that my few grilled chicken "cheats" in day 1 and 2 isn't the worst things in the world.. makes me feel better. Keep the giggles comin'.

You're doing so well - great job!! I'm on day.. (where am i?).. 4. The mornings are always easier for me in terms of how I feel. I make my own shake with ice (Shakeology) and am ok until around mid-day. Then the mental fog sets in. I heard around day 4 that you're supposed to feel a ton better, and I'm not sure that I do yet. I feel like I'm outside my body, not really present. Yes, I am aware that I am speaking like a complete alien, but I feel that way! Ah! The first two days I had the worst headaches (carb withdrawal, luckily cut out caffeine months ago). And I already "cheated" with a few bites of grilled chicken each on those first two days. Every time I'm having a particularly tough moment with the all liquids, I come to this forum. It does help, but I feel like I'm struggling so much more with the pre op than other people have mentioned. I guess my will power and addiction to food (both physically and emotionally) are just coming to a head. I'm just willing the 10 days I have left to pass by as quickly as possible but I admit that this is really really hard for me!

I know what you mean, and feel exactly the same way. I've lurked here for a while and thought about surgery for years. I went to my first seminar just last month and have my surgery scheduled for Aug 20 exactly. I'm on day 3 of my pre op liquid diet and just have to have my pre op tests (EKG, etc) with my PCP on Friday, then it's all waiting time. Only a month really has gone by though. When you know, you just know! Keep us updated on your surgery date. I could always use more mid August surgery buddies!

Thanks for sharing your positive support! I laughed out loud when I read "or hit the floor." I'm on my 3rd day and am thrilled that it's almost 2 pm and I dont' have headaches yet. The latter part of the day (especially night) is the worst, but I know that once I get through this first initial hump these 3-4 days that the side effects (carb withdrawal from my crappy "normal diet") can go away.

Thanks for the tip! Every bit helps. I actually cut out ALL caffeine a few months ago, so I really think its' the carb withdrawal more than anything!

You have no idea how relieving it is to hear someone say this! I'm on day two (really, it's only been two days?!) of pre op too and I snuck bites of plain tuna and had pieces of grilled chicken (no skin) yesterday. I'm in a constant mental haze and fog, and the headaches are pretty unbearable. Just thinking about your comment and knowing that beyond hopefully days 3 and 4, it'll get better. Don't even get me started on the BMs...

Wow! When was your surgery? What was the biggest annoyance recovery wise? Any tips?

Oh! Didn't notice you were Chicago too! I'm having my surgery done at St. Joseph's in the Lakeview area with Dr. Frederik Tiesenga. He also works with Dr. Lutfi and they both offer single incision as an option with the sleeve.

Sorry, but what's PPI??

I'm actually getting the sleeve done via single incision in Chicago on August 20th. My doctor offered it to me, and I found out he has actually taught the other surgeon he practices with. I've heard slightly less recovery time and potentially less pain with this, so I'm excited about it.

I'm right there with ya on day one. I felt great this morning and now that it's 5, I feel like I'm in a mental fog and definitely have a headache. I'm so worried I won't make it through two long weeks and I am not going to Pinterest for at least that long.. too many gorgeous photos of food! How long is your pre op for? I've read of others having all meals replaced with shakes but allowed one serving of lean protein and leafy veggies, and I'd kill for that right now.

Hooray!! I was approved this week too and have the same surgery date! Such a relief, right??

Wow, really! What was it like the first few days after? Any other tips to ensure a smooth recovery? Lots of walking?

Ahhh!! Good luck! I'm wishing you a speedy and smooth surgery - definitely keep me updated on how things went and how you feel. Also, congrats on making it through the 2 week pre op!! I heard today about my insurance and was approved!!

It's worth admitting it and moving on! I start my pre op diet (for two full qeeeks) on Monday. What did you cheat with?? I've heard of others saying that they replaced all meals with liquids but got to have lean Protein and leafy veggies for dinner and I wish I had that! I'm definitely worried about my willpower but it's not over yet! Keep going you can do it! Were the headaches awful??

@Cita - Thanks for sharing! I hope that's what mine will be like. Since it's an option and my surgeon teaches that, I am definitely moving forward with the single incision. It's also great knowing about your energy level because I'll be starting a new job after my surgery (about 3-4 weeks after) and want to be in good shape for that! Did you have really bad gas right after? Any other tips or watch outs?

I just got approved!!!!!!!!!! So much relief, and I'm so excited!! Not excited for pre op diet, but very very good news!!! yay

Aug 20!! I scheduled the surgery and have gone through nearly all tests - but I'm still waiting to hear back from BSBSIL about approval. That's now keeping me up at night. I'm so nervous!

I'm having my surgery at St Joseph's as well but with Dr. Tiesenga. Did you already have your surgery with Dr. Lutfi? How did it go? He was at the seminar, and I just loved his attitude and demeanor! I have BSBS IL PPO and my forms were submitted last Monday. I'm so nervous about approval. I have a BMI of 41.5 so it's over 40, with no other health issues. I really hope I find out soon! Let me know how your process has been and how the surgery at St. Joe's went! I too am on the north side!

I get the feeling! I go in and out with struggling to get myself to go, and it's all a head game for me. I read something once that helped to make the head battle a little easier... just make your daily goal to just put on your gym clothes and get to the gym.. don't think about being miserable once your'e there or how much time you have to put in. Get over the hump of just getting dressed and going - that is totally doable! Then, once you're there, chances are you're going to do the rest. Sounds stupidly simple, but it worked for me!! Good luck!!

Hooray! Same doc and our surgeries are three days apart. I start my pre op diet next Monday - yikes! But you're right - I feel stronger and more confident in myself because of this site and people like you!

Amazing update and congrats on the weight loss - that is so fantastic! I grew up as a competitive swimmer, so it's encouraging to know that you're swimming so quickly after surgery! One thing I always associated with swimming was being absolutely FAMISHED afterwards.. do you find that you're still (relatively) hungrier after swimming a few laps?

Gotcha! Will stalk around for a firm security pillow. I went back to my doctor and told him I had changed my mind and would move forward with the single incision since he is experienced at that and is teaching doctors in the Chicago area how to do it. They also said the recovery and pain would be slightly less, so that's a good sign! Izuri - I know what you mean about stretch marks! I'm in the same boat. But less so for cosmetic reasons, I've heard that recovery and recuperation time with a single incision was slightly less and since I've never had surgery before EVER, I'm going to give it a go!!

That's amazing! Thanks so much for sharing. I hope I recover similarly! Also - I've heard a few people mention a firm tummy pillow but I'm not sure I get it. Why do you need this? You just hold it against your stomach? Is it just like a firmer sleeping pillow? Haha, what am I missing!