Hi everyone! I have been reading posts for about a month or so. My insurance requires that I meet for four consecutive months with my surgeon for weight loss. I just had my first month meeting on 4/3/13. We discussed trying to have my last meeting on July 1 and trying to get my surgery in before the 24th of July due to my work schedule. I am a K-8 school principal and have to return to work on the 24th. Any suggestions on things that some of you may have started prior to surgery to help you prepare for a successful experience, or steps you wish you had taken before hand?

Welcome! I am a K-12 school administrator, so I totally get the scheduling thing. I tried as much as I could to work around my work schedule but it just didn't happen that way. I started the process in August not realizing our new insurance required 6 months of dietician visits, so that messed up having it done over Christmas break. I tried for February break, but the surgeon was not available, so I wound up taking FMLA. I was just sleeved on 3/26, and will be going back on 4/15. Fortunately, this is a quiet time of year for me (relatively speaking) and I'm able to keep up with most things via emails and phone calls.

As far as what to do beforehand, my best advice is to start following the post-op recommendations now. Get into an exercise routine (which I already was before I started the process), take your Vitamins daily, and start focusing on the kinds of foods you'll be able to eat post-op...healthy Proteins, veggies, fruit, very limited starches. I fell into the "last supper" trap for a while there - ate just about anything I thought I might not be able to have again - but I didn't go crazy. Also, find out if you have to do any kind of pre-op liquid diet. I was lucky - I didn't have to. Just Clear liquids the day before. The other thing I recommend is to start looking for different Protein drinks to have on hand right after. I started getting sick of chocolate and vanilla, so I like the Syntrax nectar fruit flavors. I mix them with 12 oz. of Water and some ice - nice refreshing change.

Hope all goes well for you - good luck!!

Thanks for the advice! I have already found that I just have to do liquids the day before. I discussed the Protein shakes with the nut this past week. Due to a diet that my mom put me on around the age of 12, I have not been able to drink any type of shake since without gagging. The nut suggested the unjury tasteless powder to add to Jello or fruity drink as an alternative. Carbonated drinks have always been my weakness. Therefore, I am trying to remove those from my diet now.

How is your weight loss journey thus far?

Funny - I am ALSO a K-12 Administrator! I was sleeved March 18th - I took a week off before Spring Break, which gave me two weeks to get up and going again. My Doctor had me cut out all carbs from the end of January until the surgery - that helped me tremendously in adjusting to the new lifestyle! I started working on finding high protein, low carb things I liked - it really helped with the post-op transition. I was also super addicted to Diet Coke, so I cut that out before surgery. I tried the syntrax Nectar, but didn't like it. Instead, I found these fruit drink mixes on the website American Bariatrics. You mix them with water, just like a Crystal Light. I really love them! I enjoy drinking the Razzy Lemonade straight, and I mix the plain lemonade with iced tea to make an Arnold Palmer. Since I am continueing to drink these drinks (even at 3 weeks post-op - and I will probably continue to drink them for a while to help me meet my protein, water and calorie goals), found that investing in Blender Bottles was a GREAT move. Every time I leave the house, I mix up one of these drinks in one of my blender bottles and take it with me!

So did either of you tell upper administration that you were having wls?

I did, and they have been VERY supportive. However, I do work for a Charter School, so we have a little more flexibility on things.