1poundatatime

The pre-op is hard, but it does get easier over the next few days. I'm day 11 post-op and I promise it's worth it (our starting stats are almost identical)

The pre-op phase is a big eye opener. I learned what foods I could give up easily and which ones were harder to pass up... All good things to know for the future. It helps you identify triggers (both foods and situations). I had to consciously pause in those situations when I would automatically reach for food. It is scary and shocking and embarrassing to look at how unhealthy our relationship with food has become, but I really think that awareness now is going to be key to our success later. You're not alone and you can do this.

I'm day 10 post-op and curious about post-op diet increases. Are they as varied as the pre-op plans? What were your doctors orders? My surgeon (Dr. Ortiz @ the OCC in Tijuana) does: Days 1-3: clear fluids Days 4-17: full fluids Days 18-27: pureed foods Days 28-40: soft foods Day 40... solid foods, introducing new foods one at a time.

I use Kaizen Naturals protein powder from Costco. 1 scoop is 36 gm protein and I mix that with 12 oz almond milk. I can't drink the whole thing at once yet, so I split them in half. My carbs tend to be a bit high around 50-60g... A lot is from the soups. Looking forward to moving on to purees when there are more protein dense options for meals like eggs, tuna, cottage cheese, etc.

I was sleeved 2 days after you. I've been having: Breakfast: 6oz shake (18gm protein) Snack: 6oz shake (18 gm protein) Lunch: 8oz cream soup of some sort Snack: 5oz total greek yogurt thinned with almond milk (8-11 gm protein) Dinner: 8oz cream soup Snack: 6oz shake (18 gm protein) And sipping 48 oz of water throughout the day. Sometimes I splurge and have a popsicle or a little bit of kefir.

Broth, tea, jello, popsicles...

My only suggestions would be to get your vitamins and gas-x strips ahead of time. Oh and childrens tylenol (liquid or chewable)... I had a bad headache one day and was glad I had some on hand.

I wouldn't buy anything now. It's amazing how soon things start getting loose! Plus 5 pairs of jeans sounds like a lot to me!

I'll PM you

Maybe pick up some liquid tylenol? I had a headache one day and was glad I had some in the cupboard (I had it anyways for the kids). And Gas-X strips. You can buy your vitamins and stock the cupboards with the early things you'll be able to eat (tea, water flavour, greek yogurt, almond milk, shakes, cream soups, broth, etc).

Between now and Monday, you'll run the whole gamut of emotions! I know I did You're on the home stretch!

You're not alone. Most of us (regardless of BMI) had to do a 2 week liquid diet of some variety. I was 3-4 shakes and vegetables only. The first couple days sucked. Day 3 was the worst for me, and then it did get easier. Be sure to get the shakes in to give you some energy and keep hydrated. I'm 8 days post-op now and will be on full fluids until day 18. It isn't easy, but I'm already so pleased with the results and how things went. Hang in there!! It is worth it in the end!

I like Oikos or Liberte. How have the last couple days gone? I'm 8 days post-op, so sipping away on water, soup, thinned greek yogurt, tea, and the never ending protein shakes. lol

Yay!!

You lost all that weight once, you can do it again. Don't give up on yourself! Make tomorrow into a new day and just start fresh. Go back to the basics and take it one step at a time .Yes, you'll have to undo some bad habits, but it can be done!

It will get better! Have you tried Gas-X strips?

When I got home on day 4, my 35 lb 4 year old ran over to give me a big hug and I picked him up. After a long awaited cuddle, it dawned on me "I probably shouldn't have done that" oops! No harm done, but I haven't done it again

Thin out greek yogurt with a bit of milk (or milk substitute). Hopefully you find a protein source that works for you!

Before I was discharged, I did a barium swallow test and was able to watch the barium move down my esophagus, into my stomach, and almost immediately out into my small intestine. The radiologist commented on the quick emptying time. Maybe I (and you) have less swelling/inflammation than others? Who knows? I am able to get in lots of fluids without trouble (day 7 and reached 70 oz) too. I take small, frequent sips not big gulps. But the water definitely doesn't stay in my stomach long.

The diet you Calgary folks were put on is insane. Well done Eleventybillion on your weight loss and more importantly your health improvements!! I think the premise of all our pre-op diets are the same, lose weight to decrease surgical risk, shrink the liver, and start adjusting to a limited diet in preparation for post-op. I find it amazing how many different pre-op diet plans there are out there. As soon as I booked my surgery (I'm Canadian but opted for self-pay in Mexico), I was to start on a high protein, low carb diet, then 2 weeks ahead of surgery was 3-4 protein shakes/day, low cal beverages, and unlimited vegetables. CalgaryWoman, if I were you, I would sub out the Ensure for some quality protein shakes, eat unlimited vegetables, and maybe do a lean protein and veg for 1 meal a day. You would be maintaining the principles of the diet and as long as you are seeing good results...

Fingers crossed!

Be sure to take small sips!

It's the ketosis. It's driving me crazy too! I wear a mask at night for sleep apnea and all I can smell is my stinky breath! It was better yesterday when I got protein in.

This morning I was pouring my little guy a bowl of multigrain cheerios. One spilled onto the table and almost picked it up and popped it into my mouth. I didn't. Actually I didn't even pick it up. But it made me aware of all those little mindless food habits I have...

I worried about that too. In the end it was a matter of facing the facts. If I went on living life at 258 lbs or - let's be honest - gain more weight, I am 100% likely to run into "complications" anyways. Heart disease, hypertension, pain, mobility issues, diabetes, etc. Obesity is a risk factor for so many types of cancer as well. So, yes, it's a risk. Losing weight without surgery is better, but I had to be honest with myself and admit that wasn't happening and decided whether I would waste more time "trying" or just take the plunge and be proactive. I'm post-op day 7 and couldn't be happier.