I haven't even checked into what all I need to do to get approved, or started with the info seminar, but I have been reading and researching a ton. I'm trying to start making some of the lifestyle changes now. I am cutting out soda (diet and regular), I am working on limiting carbs. The thing I'm not sure is what carb limit I should be aiming for? Anyone else try to start the major lifestyle changes months before surgery? I am doing a daily Vitamin, more to get in the habit than anything else. I'm having a Protein smoothie for Breakfast to get in that habit. After surgery I know I will have to add a food breakfast too, but since I don't have the tool yet, I don't want to do too much. I am limiting processed/fast foods. . . what else should I be doing to mentally start preparing for this journey?

If you haven't, get a digital kitchen scale and a myfitnesspal (or similar) account and start religiously tracking everything you eat and drink.

I do MFP. I do need to get a scale, so I can weigh foods.

I shoot for under 50g of carbs. That is working well for me pre-op.

My best results pre-op were when I limited carbs to 40-40 grams per day and overall calorie intake down to 1,800 calories.

You can lose a pile of weight prior to surgery and you'll feel so much better for it, too.

No need to wait until surgery to begin losing.......doing so now is outstanding. Great job.

@Irisdupree@katiecem I am doing the same, eating less than 50g of carbs per day, and also tracking on my fitness pal, and trying to add in some light exercise to start.

I am scheduled for surgery on 09/14 but I have lost 10lbs pre-op, and I'm feeling pretty great!

I guess it's always good to start early

I cannot for the life of me figure out how to get my carbs down. I'm not eating bread/pasta, I'm having1 8 oz soda, and lots of veggies. . . but my carbs are still way higher than this. Today I'm trying to go w/out any soda. I've quit it a couple of times already.

I have every intention of trying to follow the diet before surgery. No need to waste the time, energy, pain and money if I'm not going to stick to it. But the carbs are so much harder than I thought.

My best results pre-op were when I limited carbs to 40-40 grams per day and overall calorie intake down to 1,800 calories.

You can lose a pile of weight prior to surgery and you'll feel so much better for it, too.

No need to wait until surgery to begin losing.......doing so now is outstanding. Great job.

I have every intention of trying to follow the diet before surgery. No need to waste the time, energy, pain and money if I'm not going to stick to it. But the carbs are so much harder than I thought.

My best results pre-op were when I limited carbs to 40-40 grams per day and overall calorie intake down to 1,800 calories.

You can lose a pile of weight prior to surgery and you'll feel so much better for it, too.

No need to wait until surgery to begin losing.......doing so now is outstanding. Great job.

It gets much easier after you cut them out.

I'd say exercise is the best way to prep. It's easier to have a base level of fitness before surgery. Recovery should be quicker, too.

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My doctor had me start a 1200 calerie a day high Protein diet 6 months before my surgery. Is super easy to follow. I bought a scale and a personal mixer for smoothies.

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I try to keep my carbs as close to 20g a day but not over 40g ever. I lost 6lbs the first week. I also made myself eat 6 smaller meals rather than 3 larger ones. I'll let you know how week two end. If you need something like bread look up cloud bread it's really good and only has a few carbs in it

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What kind of smoothies do you make? I currently have one instead of Breakfast, but I put in fruit and greens (usually spinach and Kale) and I use Almond milk. I haven't considered trying a shake at every meal. I was seeing a health coach for 18 months, and she told me not to do both, do either or. Of course part of why I was trying to see her was so I would have to have surgery. After 18 months and only 30 lbs lost, I really figure it's the only way I'm going to do it.

My doctor had me start a 1200 calerie a day high Protein diet 6 months before my surgery. Is super easy to follow. I bought a scale and a personal mixer for smoothies. 20160804_215546.jpg

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I had a shake for breakfast made with 8 oz unsweetened almond milk, iso-100 Protein powder (i get at gnc) and a cup of frozen berries or a tablespoon of Peanut Butter and half a frozen banana.

For lunch i did 10 oz of Isopure clear Protein Drink also from GNC with my meal.

For dinnner depending on how hungry i was i would either finish the isopure (they come in a 20oz bottle) or i would make one with almond milk and iso-100 powder. So long as dinner is your smallest meal your good

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I too am just starting my 6 month journey and just trying to find a variety of Protein is getting the best of me. I have been instructed to have 3 meals with 3 oz of protein (26-30 gm) then eat healthy veggies and carbs last if I still have room. They have not told me how many grams just that a spoonful. I've also been told no carbonated or sugar beverages,

The hardest thing for me so far is getting all the protein in and eating in the required order of things. (1st Protein, then veggies and lastly carbs). The other thing I've been told is I can't drink anything 30 mins before, during or after eating. It is a process, I'm struggling but I have 6 months to get it down packed. I have been trying to drink a protein drink each morning and at lunch so that does help a little bit.

I cannot for the life of me figure out how to get my carbs down. I'm not eating bread/pasta, I'm having1 8 oz soda, and lots of veggies. . . but my carbs are still way higher than this. Today I'm trying to go w/out any soda. I've quit it a couple of times already.

The only way I know to get carbs down is to cut out grains altogether. I do no grains at all. My carbs come from fruits, veggies, nuts etc. Also, no sugar except fresh fruit. I use a little stevia when I really need some sweetness.