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Bariatric Surgery Do's And Don'ts



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My surgery is next Friday-9/2/11. I, too, am going through things I didn't expect to happen this soon. I've stopped smoking, which has not been easy. And I started my liquid pre-diet yesterday. I have been really weepy the past two days and didn't expect to be. My sister-in-law had the bypass several years ago and she was supposed to be coming over today to help me clean my house from top to bottom because I want to return from surgery to a clean, fresh house. She's in bed with a terrible sinus infection, so she can't come over, which I understand. But I was hoping that I could spend some time with her today because she is the only person that I"m close to that lives close enough to spend time with that can understand what I'm going through.

I was hungry last night and I also really wanted a cigarette, but I didn't give in to either craving. I have been chewing Nicorette gum and using an E-cigarette. I also drank a glass of spicy V8, which curbed the craving of being hungry.

I completely understand what you're going through. These forums have really helped when I have gotten down or had questions. Just keep your head up. The time for your surgery will be before you know it. I'm trying really hard to look toward the future and trying to remember that these things will go away. This time next month, I'm hoping that most everything will be routine for me.

Good luck. You're in my prayers!

Meg

This is exactly what i needed...i am just about three weeks to surgery and having a hard time with everything...thanks for the words of wisdom!

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Very nice, and very valuable advise!!!

Which doctor did your VSG at Barix Clinics in Ypsi? Did they say how many VSG's they had previously performed? Thanks for any info you can provide.

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I loved all the things you said. You are right on. You now control the food, and the food NO longer controls you. You are NOT on a diet, just a lifestyle change, that you can live by for the rest of your life.

Hugs,

Suzanne

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Thank you so much LMD, I needed to hear all that, I am glad that God has made you a voice and inspiration for all of us, thank you again. I only struggle with one thing I don't know or have any one that could mentor me, I just moved back in the state of Minnesota, but I am going to trust God to send the right people into my life, as he has already has allowed me to be connected to this form.

Thanks again and God bless you!!!!

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Thank you so much LMD, I needed to hear all that, I am glad that God has made you a voice and inspiration for all of us, thank you again. I only struggle with one thing I don't know or have any one that could mentor me, I just moved back in the state of Minnesota, but I am going to trust God to send the right people into my life, as he has already has allowed me to be connected to this form.

Thanks again and God bless you!!!!

Hi there! You're very welcome, I truly from the bottom of my heart find helping others achieve their goals a goal of my own. I know and believe too that with GOD all is possible. HE has always provided the best for me, and HE'd never lead me wrong.

Not everyone is lucky enough to have social groups or forums around them in person. If you do, that is great and they are extremely helpful. However if you do not, then hanging around here a little bit more may be in order. There are a great many knowledgeable folks here who have been around for a long time, have reached goal and so far are doing excellent at maintenance. They are always willing to chime in and even take you under their wing if that is something you prefer. I'm happy to assist or answer any questions anytime!

:) Xoxo

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Trying this whole message board thing out. Just a test to make sure I am doing it correctly. thanks for bearing with me!

WLS Do’s and Don’ts

DO remove the word ONLY from your vocabulary. Ex: I’ve ONLY lost 10 Lbs in 2 weeks… Now let’s look at this again without the word ONLY: I’ve lost 10 Lbs in 2 weeks!! See what I mean? Perception is reality folks!!

DON’T assume you’ll never eat all of your favorite foods again. This is just an excuse your brain has designed to allow you to indulge. You WILL eat all your favorites again someday, just much less but find it to me more enjoyable. Which leads directly into the next:

DON’T do the “last meal” syndrome. You will only sabotage your weight loss you might have pre-surgery or set you back further from your ultimate goal post-op. This surgery is very serious and is for the serious minded. Use this time wisely to get the feeling of how life might be like post op.

DO learn all of the rules pre-op that you will endure post-op. Such as, no drinking with meals, using smaller utensils and plates, engaging in some type of workout routine, limiting your sugar and sodium intake, joining as many WLS support groups as you can.

DO Celebrate every single pound lost! Imagine one pound of butter. Yeah… that’s gone from your body forever. It is noteworthy and worth every bit of a pat on the back as any others that may go along with it.

DON’T compare your successes and losses to others. Chances are very high that you will only come out on the short end and only find yourself disappointed. Everyone’s journeys are their own…

DO keep track of your losses in many different ways than just the scale! Examples:

DO keep one set of your largest clothes you’ve ever worn. Make it a point to try them on, especially when you’re having a down moment. You will find this will really pick up your spirits! This is a real rollercoaster of a ride, and anything that will keep you positive is what you should do!

DON'T keep any other fat clothes around. Get rid of them ASAP. You're never going to fit them again, right? So... off to donations they go.

DO take photos of yourself just before your surgery. Keep them close. Again, having a bad day? Look at them and compare them. As a matter of fact, take photos of yourself often. You will also find that the more you lose, the more you will want to take pictures. Nothing wrong with that!!! That goes with celebrating your losses. ;-)

DO take measurements of yourself often. Keeping track of all your inches lost will really keep you on the right track when your scale is being stubborn!!

DO reward yourself every time you hit a mini goal. Make some more worthy than others. I like to go shopping when I hit a goal, it is my favorite thing to do now.

DON’T let the scale define you. Great majority of us will endure many fluctuations and stalls in this journey. It is what it is… patience is the key here. Meditate and envision yourself months down the road at your goal. Smile, then move on!!

DO find out about measuring body fat! It’s more than just weight loss, FAT LOSS is the real goal here. Keep in mind that the BMI scale is greatly inaccurate and most Health Studies do prove this. According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE) our body fat % ranges should be average: 25-31% for Women and 18-24% for men. Any higher is considered obese. However it does go more in depth, according to ages and more. Everyone has different genetic make ups, frame sizes and fitness levels... even a different ethnicity can post differences.

DO have many goals in sight. Having only one, especially a simple weight goal you will find can be difficult. Have many MINI goals along your journey, and more than just ones that involve the scale. Such as, clothing size goals, body fat% goals, fitness or workout goals, dietary goals, etc…

DO challenge yourself always!! Whether it’s a global challenge with others, or personal challenges... It will keep you motivated and always willing to go further than you ever thought you could!

DO have a mentor! Find someone that you can trust and confide in, and that you know has “been there”. Preferably someone you know in person. You will find many folks in your life who have been there, for obesity is worldwide now and there are so many who have been able to defeat this demon. It’s not easy! It quite literally is the toughest feat I’ve ever had to endure. I can say this too, my job will never be done. This is for life!

And finally…

DON’T ever beat yourself up! We all make mistakes, and dare I say not one person on this Earth is perfect. I try hard to be, no doubt! I always admit that I’m a perfectionist – but I’m far from perfect. I just try to be… The only thing you can do is pick yourself up, give yourself a pep talk, perhaps contact your mentor for reassurance and move on!!! Again, this is for life. Every day you wake up is a second chance.

DON’T EVER GIVE UP. I don’t think any explanation is necessary here.

Good luck to all of you. This journey is a tough one, but if you are here, then you believed in yourself enough to give yourself the life you’ve always dreamed of. YOU WILL BE successful. Always keep that in mind.

Add-ons by other experienced sleevers:

DO keep a list of NSV (Non scale victories) to reflect on when times are getting hard. Can you walk up 2 extra flights of stairs before getting winded? Cross your legs?" and

"DO NOT be afraid to change things if they aren't working. Stalls happen even gains happen. If you are on a long stall look at your eating and decided if changes need to be made. Utilize your tool!" -- Southern Sleever

DO: Keep a food diary of what you eat and drink. This is a great learning tool as to which foods have what amounts of fat, Protein and carbs that add up to your daily intake goals. There are many ways to diary your food - from old fashioned pen and notebook to many options via smartphone apps. Keeping one is the important thing - however is right for you. I use mine now to look back for meal ideas when I hit a blank as to what to prepare for a day or a week.

DO: Realize this is not a diet to be followed for a while then set aside. This is a permanent lifestyle change. Yes, the amount of food you eat will increase as time passes, but your relationship with food will be forever altered. How you Celebrate your joys, successes and holidays will be different. How you mourn your sorrows will be different. Some people need outside help to get through the sometimes overwhelming mental changes this process brings. If you need help with this part of the deal- reach out and get it. -- SKCUNNINGHAM

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Thanks for all the good advice. It hit the spot today!

Week two of the options program at Kaiser. 10 weeks to go before completion and then meeting with a surgeon to discuss WLS.

This website is amazing!

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thanks LMD, that was a really nice post. sometimes we forget how far we really have come and get down on ourselves. we must always remember where we started from and where we are now. self pats on our backs are really nice every now and then.

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New Entry:

DO look for solutions to your problems. Otherwise they will just become excuses.

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Perhaps you could crate an attachment that has these bulleted, so they would be easier to print, like the list for the hospital.

Your mentoring is wonderful. Thank you so very much. God Bless!

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Hmmm thats a thought. :)

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I am scheduled for surgery on Jan. 16th. And am greatful for all your advice/thoughts. I know I'm making the right choice for me but it's difficult when everyone around me keeps telling me not to do this surgery. I'm thankful for people like you and that support groups like this are available to turn too! From what you write, I can tell you have always been a kind beautiful person just now the outside matches the inside!! Thanks for helping a stranger in need!

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I am scheduled for surgery on Jan. 16th. And am greatful for all your advice/thoughts. I know I'm making the right choice for me but it's difficult when everyone around me keeps telling me not to do this surgery. I'm thankful for people like you and that support groups like this are available to turn too! From what you write, I can tell you have always been a kind beautiful person just now the outside matches the inside!! Thanks for helping a stranger in need!

Thanks so much! This is truly for me has been the most wonderful place for support throughout my sleeve weight loss. Giving back is the least I can do! Believe me, we ALL get it... :) Well wishes on your surgery! Yayyy!!!

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Hi, I just wanted to say that I think that this list is great and even though I'm not getting the sleeve I feel that it still applies to what I will be facing. I hope you don't mind but I'm going to share this on the band site and I think it should be shared on other sites as well.

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    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
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