How do I mentally prepare for the surgery?

[rockyroad 5]

Hello,

I have my sleeve scheduled for Sept. 23rd and I'll be starting my liquid diet Sept. 9th! I would love to hear about the struggles and success from others who are already starting their lifestyle change. You could say that I have been strong for the first couple of months but now that surgery is right around the corner I am getting a little nervous!

Thanks in advance for those who respond.

[McButterpants 2,846]

Go into the pre-op diet with the right frame of mind - it's going to suck the first couple of days, but then it gets better. You're going to get cranky, frustrated, etc. Just ride it out. I drank a lot of Decaf green tea during the pre-op diet - it helped with the hunger.

I started incorporating shakes prior to my 2 week pre-op diet. I experimented with different textures, sugar free syrups, sugar free puddings, and temps. This allowed me some variety while I was in the 2 week pre-op diet which was needed.

For post op - my biggest piece of advice is to not give all your power to the scale. One of my biggest frustrations during the first few months was weighing...often...sometimes more than once per day. It's not healthy mentally. It caused a lot of anxiety. The scale will frustrate you and it really isn't a true representation of how you're doing. I would suggest you take your measurements and take pictures of yourself. I often refer back to my "decision day" photo - it's amazing to watch yourself shrink!

Best of luck to you! This is an amazing journey you're about to start.

[moonlitestarbrite 902]

start researching how to soothe yourself without food.

start planning now how you will deal with trigger situations.

[LouC 1]

Hello I only saw the surgeon Monday and also booked for 23rd for banding. He didn't tell me anything about a pre op diet and I'm already thinking I cannot mentally handle the lack of food! I'm interested to hear others responses too.

[auntiemel 275]

Hello, I have my sleeve scheduled for Sept. 23rd and I'll be starting my liquid diet Sept. 9th! I would love to hear about the struggles and success from others who are already starting their lifestyle change. You could say that I have been strong for the first couple of months but now that surgery is right around the corner I am getting a little nervous! Thanks in advance for those who respond.

Remember it's only temporary! You will be able to eat real good again. This is just a stepping stone in the right direction. I tried to have this surgery almost two years ago and gained weight and the surgeon couldn't do it. I'm sure all the food funerals I had didn't help, but I was also frustrated that the doctor didn't say hold off let's get your weight back down first instead of be confident and say it's no biggie