Hi,

I am still getting my finances in order. I have chosen my Dr. in MX. that I feel good about.

Any suggestions on things I can do to be more prepared while I am waiting?

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I am excited and want to be proactive. I really want to keep the ball rolling.

Also, Is there anything you know now that you did not know before your surgery that would helpful pre op.

Thank you so much!

I am new and wondering the same thing.

When I was pre-op, I started practicing not drinking with my meals. I also was doing low-carb and cutting portions to help lose weight and prepare me for what it might be like post-op. I had also cut out reg and diet sodas and started drinking crystal light, or the cheaper versions. I found I LOVE Lipton Diet Green Tea Citrus. I didn't start an exercise program pre-op, but I think it would be a great idea for anyone to go ahead and get some ideas of exercise they enjoy, and get started. Even if it's just walking. If it's possible, you may want to get some lab work done. That way you would know if you have any issues BEFORE surgery, so you won't think it happened from the surgery and give you something to compare your labs to post-op. You can stock up things for your pre/post op liquid diets like broth, popsicles, etc. You can buy protein powder if you want, but I've seen a lot of times that your taste changes after surgery or some can't tolerate it as well after surgery, so I wouldn't sink a lot of money into it until you know for sure you can tolerate it. These are the things that come to mind right away, but I may add more to this thread if I think of anything else!

Learn to eat slow and chew a lot. With smaller tummy you have to spread meal out.

Start taking Vitamins and exercising, you will want muscle to replace lost fat, at least in arms and legs. The doctors I have recommends a good Multivitamin, B-1, B-12, Calcium in certain amounts for the week.

While you may save some money by going south of border, you need to prepare for post surgery. With Kaiser they have a two week and four week follow up appointments. They arrange meeting with dietician in month 3-4, you go through routine testing for vitamins... After the surgery you will want the follow up to make sure you are not hurting yourself by not eating right. It is not just reducing calories but getting enough Protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals so you don't hurt your muscles or central nervous system.

Count calories and protein in what you eat, read labels for calories, protein, carbohydrates, trans fat.

And most important, find shortest route to Salvation Army to donate all those oversized clothes.

Good luck!

Get on this forum and read as much as possible. You Tube also has a lot of amazing stories. Is there any bariatric support groups close to you> Call and find out if you can attend them. Don't forget about the chat rooms available thru this site also.

I fell into the Food Funeral area and was eating out of control so I started my 2 week pre surgical diet 4 days early. I found my tastes changed literally over nite with my surgery. Everything is too sweet I have 3 cases of vitamin water in the garage that I cannot stomach. And I loved that stuff prior to. My son will drink the water so no problem. Good luck to you keep us posted