Hi everyone,

I'm new to VSG talk and I'm grateful for forums such as these to help people along in the process...

I just started my pre-op diet 2 days ago and I'm scheduled for a VSG in Tijuana, Mexico on Nov 9th. I currently weigh about 440 lbs and the surgeon and my care coordinator told me I can have 2 or 3 atkins Protein shakes a day and a salad with protein (chicken, fish, egg, etc.) with lowfat dressing, olive oil and vinegar or fat free dressing. They want me to do this for 3 weeks prior to surgery and it hasn't been easy at all.

I'm not allowed to have caffeine either, which is driving me effing crazy! I've had a headache and lots of fatigue for a couple days, I have a hard time concentrating and I keep worrying that I'll never get to enjoy food again. Last night I cheated a little bit and had a spoonful of Peanut Butter, I hope it doesn't negatively affect my results.

I use to be a smoker "years ago" and for the first time in a very long time I'm craving cigarettes, but I know better. I wonder if the occasional piece of nicorette gum would negatively affect my pre-op diet? I was also prescribed some pain meds "vicodin" for a knee injury and pain, but now I'm afraid to take them because I'm not sure if they'll affect my liver prior to the surgery.

Are there any post op VSG patients out there who can comment on their progress, what it's like to eat after the procedure, if they eventually get to eat things like pizza or chinese food again, whether or not they had fears about not being able to eat normal foods again, etc?

Thanks,

Bryan

Bryan,

Why are you having this surgery? (This is a question most WLS therapists ask you.)

Seriously. Think about the reasons WHY you are having this surgery. (No need to tell me, I just want YOU to think this over.). Make a written list. Keep looking at it. That list needs to be your motivation and your lifeline. You need to stop focusing on what you 'can't' have and start focusing on your new life.

For example, at 400 pounds i'm guessing you'll need a seatbelt extension? Or two seats? Just think: flying home will be the LAST time you fly that won't fit in one seat easily! YAH!!! Find something that really motivates you and have that be your mantra. It's just not worth losing your dreams for a bite of peanut butter.

And as a side note: I'm in the same mindset as ButterTheBean: I now stay away from certain foods. Why should I start eating the crap again that got me here in the first place? Now I finally understand those restaurants that serve small portions of high quality food. Tastes SO much better than an xrta large plate of high carb/fat foods. IMO.

Hang in there, Bryan. I'm hoping that you will be one of those who in a few months from now can talk someone else through this.

And before anyone blasts me for being a 'hardass' on here, READ Bryan's other posts. He is asking for help.

Peace,

Judy

Hi Brian,

I am still waiting for insurance approval, so am very new to the wls journey! I really relate to your frustrations...I am a counseling student and I have told clients that your own mind can be your worst enemy! My brain justifies every bite of good I take and it is exhausting...I have been considering seeing a behavioral therapist who can help me re wire my thinking process when it comes to food. That might be something that could help. Also, check your community for support groups, either for bariatric patients our maybe overeaters anonymous...best of luck with your exciting journey! Can't wait to see your progress!!

Rani

Ughhh... I cheated tonight' date=' again!!! This time pretty bad. I had a spoonful of Peanut Butter, a dill pickle, a couple spoonfuls of fat free cottage cheese and a cheese stick. I added up all my calories and Im still under 1200, as I only had two Protein shakes and a salad with tuna on it before my ridiculous splurge.

I keep tricking myself into thinking it's okay to eat all this stuff cause it has almost no carbs, no sugar and lots of protein, but I'm thinking part of the reason we have to stick to the plan is to also adjust to no solids eventually.

The lack of caffeine is driving me crazy still, but my surgeon approved taking the pain killers for my knee.

Are there any post op VSG'ers who can let me know if it gets easier or how they coped with the pre-op diet?[/quote']

Bryan

It's Jan and I'm very interested to know how your surgery went? I'm also going to Tijuana MX next month for surgery. I'm ready just nervous. Would love to hear about the Mexico experience.