Booandfrida

I started at 371 pounds when I finally went to the doctor. I had been thinking about having the surgery for 15 years. By the time I got to the surgeons office, I had reached desperation point. I was scared, unsure and resentful of having to do something so drastic to myself. I am 53 years old.
At the first consultation the surgeon told me I should have done it 15 years ago if I had been thinking about it that long.
On the morning of my surgery laying in the bed just about to go into the theater as the surgeon walked past me, I said to him "Am I doing the right thing'. He told me then yes. But he also said I could stop it even then.
When I came out of the surgery and he came to see me the next day, he reminded me that I had asked him that question and he said, I absolutely did the right thing as when they were doing the surgery the could see that I had a lot of fat inside and around my organs This is very dangerous.
Since the surgery, I feel so much better, I have lost 59 pounds. I have been one of the fortunate ones and have had little problems with eating and drinking.
I absolutely did the right thing and he was right. I should have done it 15 years ago. It would have meant the difference between having to lose 220 pounds vs 110 pounds because all id did in that 15 years was continue to gain weight.
No one here can tell you what is the right thing for you. Hopefully you have spoken with family, spoken with the right medical and psychological staff and looked at you long term goals. Asked yourself the questions, "Can I do this without this extra tool?, or can I do this just through diet and exercise?". Neither path is easy.
All I can tell you is, at the 2 month mark, I do not for one minute regret doing it. But I do have emotions about food that will take some time to get over.
Sorry for the long ramblling post. I hope there is something useful in it.
Laggy

My surgery is scheduled for 08-31-17.
I am scared, nervous and excited.

Sent from my SM-G900V using BariatricPal mobile app

Best thing I ever did. Saved my life. It's not easy, but you'll do great. Prayers up for you.

Are you nervous about the surgery itself or the lifestyle changes? I'm assuming you've gone through a long preparation period for the surgery . . . so you've had time to think about it. I know it can be scary when it's imminent (mine is next Monday). But if weight loss is really what you most want, you know this is the way. It seems like a drastic change--and it is initially--but there's plenty of evidence that people can reverse the effects of the surgery, eat badly again, and regain the weight. So unless you're sure you are ready to change your habits, maybe talk to your surgeon? Otherwise, trust that you've made the right decision and can do this! Good luck.

My pre op diet consisted of 3 serves of Optifast a day either in shake, bar or Soup form. I was also told to make sure I get 1 teaspoon of oil per day to avoid gallbladder issues. I was then also given a list of approved vegetables which included, broccoli, celery, onions, tomatoes, carrots, asparagus, mushrooms, capsicum, cauliflower, lettuce, cabbage and brussel sprouts. (a few other things that I can't remember off hand). I used to stirfy them up using my teaspoon of oil. Or make a salad. I only had to do the totally liquid for the day before and of course after the surgery.

The purpose of this was to reduce the size of my liver and to make it softer so it could be easily moved out of the way during surgery.
As others have said in this thread, please go check with your nutritionist or surgeon to make sure you aren't missing out on key things because you still need nutrition and broths won't be enough.

So I started my pre-op liquids today. Please tell me what I can drink besides broth and jell-o? The broth I had today literally made me sick to my stomach and the jell-o was good but don't know how to survive in jell-o alone for 10 days. I need advice...

I'm in the pre-op stage, too, and I have two Protein Shakes a day, plus coffee (which I know I have to give up), herbal tea, and lots and lots of Water, usually with a little Crystal Light in it. Also sugar-free popsicles. My plan also calls for a lean dinner, thank goodness, but if yours doesn't, you can definitely expand your choices somewhat. I'd be surprised if Protein shakes weren't part of your plan, and they do help keep you going, though they're a bit too sweet for my taste.

Yes, all of my primary care drs would annoy me too with "eat a low calorie diet and exercise" which is clearly what Ive been doing lol. I researched PCOS and I literally had every symptom, so I brought that to their attention and I was told I didnt have that either by my pcp. So I saw an endocronologist who specializes in pcos, weightloss, hormone imbalances, thyroid issues, diabetes etc. He diagnosed me, but after years of trying to lose weight on my own and seeing that a symptom of pcos is weight gain and its harder for us to lose weight I knew that's what I had and after I was formally diagnosed is when i decided to have the surgery. I can lose 10lbs and gain 15 more it was a never ending cycle that needs to stop bc it is now affecting my health.

Has any doctor ever figured out why you gain so easily? I'm very similar, and all I ever hear is "keep trying." It's so frustrating! I've been following the Keto diet for the last two months, and was finally able to start losing a little more steadily.

Im scheduled for 9/1. I started my pre op diet early on 8/1 just to prepare myself and to try and lose a few pounds before surgery, with a few cheats here and there. I am currently doing strictly Protein Shakes, sugar free Jello, sugar free popsicles, Soups, sugar free pudding, unsweetened applesauce, and I've pureed veggies a few times. My doctor is very adamant that no weight is gained before surgery. My weight fluctuates so much, I thought I'd be losing barely eating anything basically starving myself and compared to others Im not losing like I thought I would. My surgeons pre op diet requires that I only eat meat, green veggies, eggs and cheese, but I chose not to bc I can gain weight like nothing. Im losing/maintaining my weight. He did inform me that a few pounds gained is ok as long as I didnt go overboard and gain 10-15lbs I will be ok. But of course I am still worried because Im about 2 pounds over my initial weight with him. I see him for pre op next tues 8/29 then surgery on friday 9/1. I pray everything is ok and I can have my surgery. I think I might just eliminate all solids from today on and drink my shakes and have broth until my surgery date.

I've lost over 40 pounds so far, so I've definitely started to overcome my food addiction, which is huge for me. Since I am starting my pre op liquid diet Monday, I am going to treat myself a little this weekend.

Oh, wow, I'm so sorry! Hope you are able to motivate yourself for the next round.

I have to pay myself, so I dont' think they will reject me with a higher weight. But it is definately not good for me to gain even more.

I'm reading Weight loss surgery for Dummies, and apperantly it is not unusual to have "the last supper" for weeks before surgery. Well, 12 days until the big day!

I had my final weigh in with my pcp on 7/5 and started liquid pre op diet shortly thereafter. Well between slowing scheduling at the surgeons office and insurance approval my date is set for 9/21. [emoji35][emoji35] So I'm kinda in a pissy mind frame right now. I want to eat everything under the sun because I've basically been starving myself for nothing for weeks.

I've lost 30 lbs so far before my September 18 sleeve. My head's in a place where I tell myself i can eat this or that later, few months after sleeve. Ive heard stories about people who have gained weight before sleeve & they then wouldnt do the sleeve for them. I start my 2 wk preop liquid diet on September 4th. Then i hear they can tell if U cheat. Lol think I'll just lock myself in my room. Im not cooking for anyone hubbys on his own ; )

I am only 3 weeks away from surgery, but I am not able to tune my head into a new and healthy way of living. More the opposite, really, I'm eating like I will never be able to eat again. I don't have to go on a preop diet.

How are you doing?

I colored my hair yesterday, and I realized that next year at this time, I will be able to use the plastic gloves that come with the kit! Right now they always tear when I put them on because they are so small.

Being able to buy clothes from regular stores, instead of ordering things online, which always end up being too big or too small.

Smaller LESS EXPENSIVE bras.
Not being so hot and winded all the time.
Most importantly, being off my meds and better health.

Yep, that's my thought too!

I'm always a big sweaty mess. I hope that changes when I lose weight!

No sweating my butt off from carrying around this extra weight.

No sweating my butt off from carrying around this extra weight.

I used Dr John Dietrick on Bruce B Downs in Tampa. He is right next door to the hospital - Florida Medical. I love this doctor. He does not discharge you from care like Mose do after a year. He likes to follow his patients much longer. I am 100 lbs lighter! He does blood work periodically to check your Vitamin and other minerals levels and watched for malabsorption. My surgery was 3 yrs ago, and I still see him every 6 months or so if I have any concerns.

I totally understand and feel where you are coming from. I check in tomorrow at 11AM for my surgery that will be perform at 1pm. I'm a nervous wreck! I'm so nervous I almost want to cry! LOL, but i know it will be worth it. It's been a long 7 months and I still can't believe it's finally here. We got this! We just gotta think happy thoughts and how amazing we are going to look after. [emoji846]

You will be fine. I know I will be a nervous wreck before surgery too. The surgery is a big deal but we aren't talking brain surgery, lol. Think about why you are having surgery and the great results that are waiting for you with this tool. Remember to ask to see anesthesiologist before surgery for him to evaluate your cold. I once had a cold and the doctor changed the method. Good Luck!