kcadoret

My surgeon mentioned that they do not like to do major abdominal surgeries within a year or two of each other. Allowing time for all aspects of the previous surgery to heal and adjust. That being said your surgeon will definitely know best about your specific situation. I had my surgery just last week and one of the incisions was directly over an old incision from a previous laparoscopic surgery. Best of luck

20 pounds was my goal! After the first week or so I lost weight at about a pound every other day. You can do it!

@@Tintin I lost 24 pounds, but admittedly some of that was weight I put on in the weeks leading up to the start of it. I had probably a few too many 'food funerals'. Great job with the weight loss so far! It's a helpful motivator when the OPTIFAST is tough to do.

Thanks for the reply @@jcmo I do love those pill organizers especially with all of the ones we need to take now!

Best of luck with the Optifast!

@jmco when did you start taking the vitamins post op? I wasn't able to get clear instructions from anyone at the hospital, in hospital I got them in liquid form. I assume it's ok to start taking my chewable multivitamin and calciums....

I also love my fitness pal!

I agree tintin I've heard great things about the in person post op support group but I think it could potentially be beneficial to some pre op folks to be able to sit in and get advice. Great job in creating our own micro group to do just that! I for one am 'enjoying' the snow from my window at the hospital between my thrilling schedule of trying to pee and walking!

@@Tintin my poop issue was at the other end of the spectrum. I worked up to 6 capsules with each shake and it helped a bit. Good luck sorting out your bowls, definitely not an enjoyable aspect. I also found having a shake on my way to dinner with people helped. As did having sf gum on hand. I met a friend for pho and orderd a bowl of broth at one point!

@@Tintin I like the vanilla shake with a mixture of water and coffee. The chocolate is also nice with some peppermint or coffee. Best of luck

Jcmo these 5 days can't past fast enough. I'm so done with the Optifast and this liquid diet. I'm trying to distract myself as much as possible because I keep thinking about how badly I want to eat a sandwich. I feel like the after op challenges will be less mental and more logistical. Bring on Thursday!

No... But it isn't really freezie season yet....

Optifast for 3 weeks. It hasn't gotten easier for me and I'm 15 days in. Good luck!

How much protein are you getting in your liquid diet? The aim is for your body to be in ketosis not starvation mode and protein is key in that.

Thanks jcmo I'll check them out tomorrow!

Jcmo I haven't been able to find sugar free Popsicles anywhere!!! I can find no sugar added.... My saviour has been pho broth. I can totally see how people have breakdowns, I've been having mini ones and deep revelations about myself every few days. I'm so desperate for a bite of something- right now it's a hamburger or shawarma. Fortunately (I guess) my parents have been really adamant that I don't put anything in my mouth that isn't on the list. I can't wait for surgery and afterwards I feel like it will be so different and as you say the challenges will be very different. Thanks for the words @@jcmo And Congrats on meeting the surgeon @@anewme15 very exciting

Congrats @@Tintin on getting a surgery date so fast!! My surgery is on March 26th. I'm having a rough go of the optifast so can't wait for it to be done!

I was very anxious about all aspects of getting and using the machine. And the first week getting use to it was challenging but we know you're strong, you're getting this surgery so you can do this!

I'm not sure how frequently you are weighing yourself but the changes you see between frequent weigh-ins are usually related to water retention as apose to weight loss. I personally loose 3 pounds just after my period. It also takes time for the muscle you gain from exercising to translate into weight loss. I've had numerous professionals recommend not weighing myself more than once a week to save not only my sanity but also keep the body's natural fluctuations in perspective.

Cpap machines do take some getting use to and the masks you use make a huge difference! I found the first week challenging to adjust to but now I have trouble falling asleep without the air! They also make machines that have a variable pressure (I can't remember the actual term for it) so when you exhale there is less air blowing into your airway. Good luck with the adjustment and the trouble really is worth the adjustments

Hi @sbmflorida it depends on your program and what the surgeon recommends. Personally my program orders a 3 week pre op liquid diet but two weeks seems to be common. The constraints of these diets also differ between programs. I found the longest part of this process waiting for my date lol You're getting close!

Congrats Toni!

@@2bullymom our program recommended scheduling our meals and snacks and eating them if we are hungry or not. I think I may also need to do this for getting in all the liquids needed immediately following surgery. Good luck

Good luck @@starbuckscoffeegal ! That sounds very uncomfortable keep us posted

@ I've been wanting to do that same thing. I miss the sensations of chewing food and different tastes!