Hi Everyone,

I am about 4 weeks out from having the sleeve surgery. Still undergoing pre-op tests. The more I read about the surgery, and more specifically, the results, the more excited I am to have it.

I am wondering if anyone can offer some tips and suggestions for me as I begin this journey.

Really looking forward to sharing with everyone. Thanks ahead of time for your support.

Diann

Hi Diann, and welcome to VST.

The sleeve is really fabulous. My biggest piece of advice to pre-ops is to prepare yourself mentally for the big changes that come with the post-op life during the first couple of months. Research, research, read and when you think you've read enough, read some more. Information is power, and the more knowledge you have of this surgery the better you'll do.

Little changes in habits will help you through the post-op diet phase.

1) Don't drink with your meals and wait 10-15 minutes after eating to resume drinking. I don't even take a beverage to the table with me at home. I do order a drink when out, but I stop drinking once I take the first bite. Post-sleeve, most surgeons tell us to not drink for 30 minutes after eating.

2) Sit your eating utensil down in between bites. This will help you slow down on your meals which is so important with the sleeve.

3) Stretch your meal to at least 20 minutes. This will help you recognize a full signal or a sensation of satiety with your meals.

Try eating your protein (meat) first, then veggies and last carbs. This helps prepare you for eating with the sleeve. It's a lot of trading in the bad habits for better habits.

I've been very blessed with a fabulous post-op life, and many good wishes for you on your journey.

Thank you so much Tiffykin. I really am so very ready for change!!!!

I think the little preparations like the dates, times, who is going to watch the kids or go with you to the hospital, etc. all work themselves out with basic planing. The one item you can begin to prepare for is the mental aspect of this major life change. Whether by establishing a support system, support groups, or counseling, there is a need for each of us going on this journey to realize the huge role that food plays in our lives. Of course whether we are ready or not the physical change immediately changes how we relate to food. The mental readiness for that change helps allot. There are so many events in my life that revolved around food, I have really had to change those in my mind for the events to be about the people or fellowship and to realize how my life had been so food oriented that I had truly missed out in the past. The gut reaction is to think I am missing out on the food when in reality food was way out of priority in my life.

I have had a couple of "moments" whether it be nostalgia or just wishing I could dive in the way I used to--I have had to build that mental bridge and "get over it".

HI Diann and welcome

I'm also waiting for pre op test results which I get next week, but think they will be ok - as i start my pre op diet the same day. You're sure to get some fab hints and tips of those sleeved on here....

I know I've starteddoing the things Tiff has advised, and also cleaned thru the kitchen cupboards to try and get rid of undesireable foods!! lol

Good luck

Kathy

GREAT advice!

I started to cut back on the amount of food I would eat at each meal, stopped drinking pop, cut out the sugar and last cut out coffee. Little change at a time so you don't have to do everything at one time.