sugarpop

Thanks guys!!! I really love & appreciate the advice.

I'm being open pre-op and plan to be open post-op. If I become known as the person who had WLS, so be it. It isn't a bad thing. It is interesting and people want to learn about it and talk about it. I look forward to lots of interesting conversations on how I took control of my life. :-)

Thanks! You sent them to me already. I appreciate the help and advice.

I can't stand the shakes. My dr said it was OK to switch to lean Proteins instead. Phew. It is harder to measure & keep track of the nutrients / calories this way. Maybe that is why they order liquid diets?

Amen Karen! I think your plan is solid. I figure my liver is a lot bigger than yours.

I've actually switched to Dr. Lopez. He has more experience & is a member of some societies that give me comfort. Still having surgery on the 6th of August.

I'll have to try those. Are you staying at the Marriott? -Greta

From what I've found on the internet, it seems the key is low-carb (under 30-50g per day maximum) to reduce the glycogen stores in the liver. Sounds like they require high Protein (70 - 120g per day) to maintain muscle mass and lose fat (especially in the stomach area). They suggest low-fat so that you stay within the calorie restriction (800-1200 per day maximum) and lose fat. What I don't understand is why many surgeons require the bulk (or all) of the diet be in Protein shakes. Has anyone been given a reason for this? Is it because there are often added supplements in the shakes? Maybe to get us used to eating mostly liquids in prep for the post-surgery diet? I hate the shakes. Thanks!

Yeah... I started early... I thought we had to be on the liver shrinking diet for 14 days and then Clear liquids for 3 days. So I thought I was supposed to start on the 20th (tomorrow). I figured I'd start a few days earlier since I was afraid I'd end up cheating and wanted to Iron out the kinks before the real clock started ticking. I'm not sure I want to redo these first 3 days so I will just keep going which means I'll have been on the diet an extra 5 days. I seem to be bigger than most people doing this (5'8" and 308 lbs) so maybe it is for the best? It seriously blows. My husband is doing it with me for solidarity. He is 225 lbs and he isn't having as hard a time (no head aches, handles the shakes fine). So maybe it is harder for bigger people.

Let me know how everything goes -- especially if you have any specific advice! Maybe I'll run into you on Monday night at the Marriott and you can tell me how it is going! -Greta

I'm on my 3rd day. 2-3 Protein shakes a day plus a small dinner of lean protein and salad. Had a migraine the first day & a headache the rest of the time. The Protein Shakes make me want to vomit -- I have to find something I like better! I've also included some Clear Liquids (sugar free Jello, chicken broth). I'm supposed to do a clear liquid diet 3 days before surgery so I figure it is OK. My "happy place" is picturing a trip to Disney World with my family in January.

I'm scheduled for Aug 6th in TJ with Dr. Lopez at Mi Doctor. Staying at the Marriott. Hope to meet some of you there! What are you guys doing for your pre-diets? I'm on my 3rd day of suffering with 3 Protein shakes + 1 small dinner of lean protein and salad. Horrible head aches. Shakes make me want to vomit. Starting to feel some lack of energy.

I'm doing mine on August 6th in TJ (Mexico) at Mi Doctor (staying at the Marriott). My husband is going with me. This pre-op diet is KILLING me. On my 3rd day. Supposed to do 2-3 shakes plus small dinner of lean protein+salad. I have a constant head ache. Had 1 migraine. The Protein Shakes make me want to vomit! I'm cheating by adding sugar-free Jello & chicken stock to the mix. Ugh. It will all be worth it in the end.

Thanks guys. I pulled the trigger and scheduled with Dr. Louisiana Valenzuela. I liked what I read about both doctors equally but she was more prompt with her responses to my medical specific questions and is a little cheaper.

What did you guys think of Dr. Lopez? Would you recommend him?

Hey newmeby50, I'm in the process of scheduling and it will most likely be on August 6th. Sorry, I live in Wisconsin. Aren't you lucky to be doing the single incision! I'll give you a shout once I officially schedule the surgery. -Greta

I'm hoping to have surgery in August in Tijuana and I'm debating between 2 doctors (below). I'm ~300lbs and I've had no prior weight loss surgeries (this is not a conversion). 1) Dr. Louisiana Valenzuela via Mexico Bariatric Center with Christy as coordinator. 2) Dr. Alejandro López Ortega ("Dr. Lopez") via alighterme.com with Janese as coordinator. Any opinions / suggestions / experiences would be much appreciated. Thank you guys!