Hi everybody, I am new here and have just started my wls journey. I am going to be scheduled for surgery sometime around May and was just wondering if and of you have and tips for me. My surgeon wants me to go on and off of my pre-op diet weekly and I was wondering of this is a common thing?

Welcome. As far as advice, I will recommend two things pre-op.

1. Walk around 30 minutes each day. This will make your recovery go much, much easier.

2. If you haven't eliminated caffeine and carbonated beverages from your diet, do so now. I had a 6 diet coke a day habit for many decades. I went cold turkey at the beginning of my pre-op diet and lost 20 pounds on that change alone. Also when I give up caffeine in the diet cokes, I suffered from severe withdrawal syndrome - severe headaches and body aches. So if you wait until just before surgery to give up these, the withdrawal effects may compound with the effects of surgery and add to your suffering. It is better to take these on individually. Some literature recommends that you make the reduction gradually, about 25% per week in order to minimize the effects of the withdrawal syndrome.

All doctor's plans are different so that may just be the way he does pre-op. I would add to what James said by saying start practicing eating at least 60 grams of Protein a day - eating protein first, then veggies and if still hungry your carbs. You also might want to start practicing not drinking anything with your meals and eating slowly (chewing each bite 30 times). The more habits your can replace before your surgery, the better it will be.

Also, another good habit to get into is logging everything you eat and drink. You also might want to start tracking how much exercise you are getting. I use FitBit, but Myfitnesspal.com is also a good app. There are others. This logging helps you become more intentional and aware of what you are actually eating each day - both calorie wise and nutrition wise.

You are at the beginning of a life-long and life-changing surgery; practicing habits that you will need to use after surgery now is a good way to start. Good luck!