I’m so ready to feel better!

[beingdina 64]

I’m looking at surgery at the end of September. I’m feeling awful lately. Needless to say I have some time before I start the pre-op diet but I want to start it so bad! Anyone else in a similar situation? I need an all or nothing solution to last me the next 6-7 weeks. What do I do?!

[Creekimp13 5,841]

I started my diet and exercise program 6 months before my surgery.

Start working on what your forever diet is going to look like. Get some good recipes together. Get your tools...food journal, calorie counter, food scale, measuring cups, etc.

Start working on your fitness habit. Start tracking your activity. Set some goals.

There's no magic solution. It's a process...and the time to start is now:)

Best wishes for a successful safe surgery:)

Edited June 28, 2018 by Creekimp13

[nibble 201]

What does "feeling awful" mean? Can you be more specific?

[beingdina 64]

On 06/28/2018 at 14:05, nibble said:

What does "feeling awful" mean? Can you be more specific?

As in bloated, too big to take better care of myself, enflamed, achy, etc. like I’m just really FEELING my obesity.

[beingdina 64]

On 06/28/2018 at 14:04, Creekimp13 said:

I started my diet and exercise program 6 months before my surgery.

Start working on what your forever diet is going to look like. Get some good recipes together. Get your tools...food journal, calorie counter, food scale, measuring cups, etc.

Start working on your fitness habit. Start tracking your activity. Set some goals.

There's no magic solution. It's a process...and the time to start is now:)

Best wishes for a successful safe surgery:)

Thanks. Good advice. I just need hardcore restriction. Like I want to do a liquid diet RIGHT NOW to help ease me out of this feeling. I know when I’m “good” I drop Water weight fast and start feeling better.

[Orchids&Dragons 9,047]

Spend the time getting ready---

Stop smoking, if you smoke.

Wean yourself off caffeine and carbonated sodas.

Start walking to get into the routine.

Start collecting/trying out bariatric-friendly recipes.

Start attending support group meetings. They are a great source of information when you're pre-op.

See a counselor to help you start working through food issues.

There are loads of things you can do to help yourself be successful. The earlier you start, the better. Good luck!

[beingdina 64]

On 06/28/2018 at 14:14, Orchids&Dragons said:

Spend the time getting ready---

Stop smoking, if you smoke.

Wean yourself off caffeine and carbonated sodas.

Start walking to get into the routine.

Start collecting/trying out bariatric-friendly recipes.

Start attending support group meetings. They are a great source of information when you're pre-op.

See a counselor to help you start working through food issues.

There are loads of things you can do to help yourself be successful. The earlier you start, the better. Good luck!

I don’t smoke (14 years smoke free), I don’t drink alcohol, I don’t use drugs, I don’t drink caffeine or any soda except carbonated Water (no chemicals like artificial sweeteners) but I am 405 pounds and miserable. Been in therapy for years and she supports this surgery. Maybe I’m just really paying more attention to it since surgery is just 3 months around the corner. I definitely need to start the walking. Do people use timers to motivate? I always want to start something and then fail.

[Creekimp13 5,841]

Talk to your therapist about the dangers of having an "all or nothing" mindest going into this surgery.

It's not going to be all miracles and progress. You're going to hit walls. You're going to be challenged. Persistence, patience and more patience....will be required of you a lot. It's hard. And it's not just not eating. There's a lot of stuff in your head that plays in.

Work with your therapist on coping strategies for when things get tough. This would be a great time to have that conversation. Also, talk about your expectations and what is realistic to expect.

[Orchids&Dragons 9,047]

9 minutes ago, beingdina said:

I don’t smoke (14 years smoke free), I don’t drink alcohol, I don’t use drugs, I don’t drink caffeine or any soda except carbonated Water (no chemicals like artificial sweeteners) but I am 405 pounds and miserable. Been in therapy for years and she supports this surgery. Maybe I’m just really paying more attention to it since surgery is just 3 months around the corner. I definitely need to start the walking. Do people use timers to motivate? I always want to start something and then fail.

That's great that you have many of the obstacles out of the way. This surgery is 20% stomach, 80 brain, imho. I'm glad that you already have a therapist to work with. I'm not sure what the timers are for?

[Frustr8 7,886]

While you walk, look around, enjoy the wonders of nature if you're outdoors, if you are at the mall, still look around. If in your apartment hallways stop and talk to,people you meet. go,out with the expectation of fun, not punishment you don't have a parole officer or somebody with bloodhound chasing you. This something you are doing for and your best interests. Come back and talk to,us, we know and understand how you feel in a way outsiders don't. And there is almost one of us always here.😝

[beingdina 64]

@frustr8 I think one of the hardest parts will be the walking. I hate walking for it locks me in my own head. Maybe I need to learn some mantras to speak to myself. I work right on a walking path. Walking hurts my back and feet and ankles. So I can’t go far.

[beingdina 64]

On 06/28/2018 at 14:37, Orchids&Dragons said:

That's great that you have many of the obstacles out of the way. This surgery is 20% stomach, 80 brain, imho. I'm glad that you already have a therapist to work with. I'm not sure what the timers are for?

I was thinking I keep reading that after surgery they want you to walk every 15 minutes or something. Something to motivate me to get up. I’ll go a whole 9 hours at work and maybe get up 3 times all day sitting in front of my computer. It’s terrible. I know I need to make it a better habit (I’m legit awful at building healthy habits) and know it’s required after surgery for healing and weight loss and to build better habits.

[beingdina 64]

I can’t be the only one that’s felt this way right? So close yet so far, feeling always uncomfortable or in pain. Bloated and achy. Swollen and stiff and tight.

[Orchids&Dragons 9,047]

Just now, beingdina said:

I can’t be the only one that’s felt this way right? So close yet so far, feeling always uncomfortable or in pain. Bloated and achy. Swollen and stiff and tight.

That's why I wanted surgery.

[Orchids&Dragons 9,047]

4 minutes ago, beingdina said:

I was thinking I keep reading that after surgery they want you to walk every 15 minutes or something. Something to motivate me to get up. I’ll go a whole 9 hours at work and maybe get up 3 times all day sitting in front of my computer. It’s terrible. I know I need to make it a better habit (I’m legit awful at building healthy habits) and know it’s required after surgery for healing and weight loss and to build better habits.

The 15 minute walks are immediately after surgery to prevent blood clots and help ease the gas bubbles out of your body. They want you walking much longer than that when you're past the surgery stage. Try not to focus on the walking itself, listen to music, listen to audiobooks (my fave), pray (if you're so inclined). The time will go by much faster if you don't focus on not wanting to be there. Exercise is definitely part of the program.