Newbie jumping in

[jess9395 5,448]

Hello all!

I have been lurking and reading while researching and making my decision. A little less than a month ago I met with a surgeon, powered thru a ton of appts and evaluations and can now officially say I will have surgery on December 1st!

More excited than nervous right now. My doctor is one of those with no real pre-op diet except liquids 48hrs before, but I am using this time to explore and figure out all the Protein options and such and hope to lose some pre-op weight to help with the liver issues anyway!

He also has a very speedy progression post-surgery which I will probably ask about in another post. This one is just to say hi and here I am!

I am 44, 5'7" and 271. From California. Have a teen and an upper elementary school kid at home. Loved their reactions when I told them..my son wanted to know all the medical stuff in great detail ad with pictures and my daughter just wanted to know of I was gonna get skinny enough to steal her clothes and asked me to please not wear skirts that were too short! We even had a hemline discussion, LOL!

Anyhow, excited to be a part of the board and to begin this journey!

[RJ'S/beginning 5,357]

I am really excited for you......Do take this time to detox your body from caffeine, sugar and anything that you cannot live without at this time...You have time to be successful with this..it will make the experience easier for you after surgery...

Also try to eat smaller portions and leave some on your plate when you are done....It is so liberating to get past the "You eat everything on your plate young lady, children are dying in Africa from hunger". Also it is good to put your fork down after every bite and learn to chew slowly and thoroughly...These are good practices to start now and then they won't be so hard to learn afterwards.

Soon you will be on the losing side of life like the rest of us...Welcome to the beginning of a whole new you...The one that really wants to be on the outside as well as the inside....Go girl go!!!!!

[jess9395 5,448]

Thanks for the tips!

Yes I am totally doing the small bites and chewing thoroughly right now at the reccommendation of my NUT....really eye opening!

I am working on the sugar right now and simple carbs...then at two weeks out I will do the caffiene...that's gonna be the hardest for me.

[McButterpants 2,846]

Welcome and congrats on your decision!

I love the story about telling your kids. My 14-year old's first question was "is my diet going to change?"

I agree with RJ, take this time to prep. Practice taking the small bites. Work on finding a Protein drink that works for you (don't buy a lot, your tastes may change). Practice eating with out drinking. Don't eat in from of the TV - eat in a calm environment at a table. And, my most difficult talk, cut out caffeine - I am doing it slowly.

My surgery is 11/14, so I'm a couple of weeks before you. I have a 2 week liquid pre-op diet. ugh.

Again, welcome and good luck.

[RJ'S/beginning 5,357]

Another thing you may want to get used to is eating 3-6 times a day...small portions, but that made it much easier for me after it was all done....

You will be able to reintroduce some things back into your program later on if you so desire, but for the first few months. It will be difficult unless you are one of those....breezing through it..I hope you are I really do!

A lot of the work is changing how you use food and learning what brought you to this point and also dealing with it..The food part looks after itself when the mind is mended....All the best!

[TJL 222]

Welcome and good luck to you, sounds like you are already making positive changes. That's so funny about your daughter and the clothes stealing!

[michelr 2]

Hi! Just thought I'd introduce myself. I've been researching support groups etc. since I am anticipating I will be getting the call at the end of the week to schedule surgery (patiently waiting ). Maybe Nov/dec surgery date. So crazy excited and nervous.

I am 5ft 2, current weight 219lb , ultimate goal 115! Mommy to a 4 yr old boy, 16 month girl, wife, and work full time (RN).

Excited for this journey, hope to find great buddies here :-)