Newbie here! This is my first post, after months of lurking.

I started this process in January and was jumping through all my hoops, and then COVID showed up. The stress of all the changes plus the total uncertainty about my surgery date have made it very hard for me to stay on track with developing my new eating habits.

For folks who are in the COVID holding pattern, what are you doing to prepare for that unknown date in the future when we'll finally get our surgeries? I read somewhere that this is a good time to start trying out which protein powders you like, so I'll try that. What else?

Thanks for any advice!

Hi there. I’m in the same boat. I’ve been using GNC Lean shakes and muscle milk powders. I’m struggling with sweets, mostly ice cream. I’ve started doing some strengthening exercises so that I don’t go into surgery in a weakened state. I took this time to get other things taken care of like overdue gyn visit and visit to the dermatologist for questionable skin changes. All has been good. I ordered my post op vitamins already and some of the foods. Walmart has College Inn broth, large boxes of farina and they have good prices on protein powders. Is there anything in particular you are concerned about?

Thanks, perfektlynrml! Sounds like you have a good checklist to work through! Do you have a ballpark estimate of your surgery date?

I'm finding it hard to stay motivated with no "deadline." The nurse said I'll be done with all of my insurance and pre-op hoops by early September, so then my surgery date just depends on when elective surgeries can happen again, and they're pretty backed up.

In the meantime, I've been trying to use a habit tracker to use this time to practice the habits I'll need to be successful. This includes (1) 65g protein/day; (2) 30 minutes of cardio; (3) strengthening/toning exercises; (4) no water 30 minutes before/after meals; (5) daily vitamins; (6) no snacking after dinner; and (7) no alcohol.

I'm doing OK most days with 1, 4, and 5. Exercise was going well for a while (new bike!) but I've had a wicked flare up of recurring back pain the last few weeks, so mobility is a real challenge right now. And failing at 7 inevitably leads to failing at 6.

My insurance does not have a pre-surgery weight loss requirement. I feel like I'm just blowing in the wind right now. Without a goal date, it's hard to stay focused on developing my new habits.

I have the Bariatastic app. I set it up with the guidelines suggested by my doctor. I was doing better at first but now I seem to be getting anxious and getting off track. I am only waiting to finish my sleep test which will take place tonight. I should be going soon if the hospitals don’t close again.

Fingers crossed for you! How do you like the Bariatastic app? Is it helpful?

I got a CPAP a few months ago, and while I hate it, I definitely do feel more rested in the morning. (That could also be the result of working from home and not setting an alarm since March!)

I’m scheduled for July 28 as of now Ohio has not cancelled electives I hope they won’t at least until after July lol

Fingers crossed for you! How do you like the Bariatastic app? Is it helpful?
I got a CPAP a few months ago, and while I hate it, I definitely do feel more rested in the morning. (That could also be the result of working from home and not setting an alarm since March!)

I like the app. It's suited for the job it needs to do. I did my sleep test last night and the machine said it was successful. I'm hoping it's not too bad. I am just waiting on the answers and then I can set a date.

I got my sleep test results already. No sleep apnea only snoring. I’m seeing the surgeon next Tuesday to get my date.

My surgery was cancelled 3 days before!! I was so upset. I'm going to stick with the liquid diet but not be so strict. I don't know when my surgery will be at this time. I'm upset, but I understand. I just keep in mind that I am approved for the surgery, the hard part is over, just the waiting game now. I m ight start back up at the gym or do 30 minute walking sessions a day if I can. But its so hard with my shifts at work.

My surgery has been cancelled twice this year due to covid-19, and now I have yet another surgery date scheduled, this time for Aug 16. If it's delayed for a third time, I won't be bothered like I was the first time. I view these delays as an opportunity to give myself a head start on a new lifestyle and way of eating in preparation for making the most out of surgery. I've cut out processed foods, sugar, dairy, and animal products, found some vegan protein powders that I like, am practicing sipping water and chewing my food at least 45 times before swallowing, and have worked my way up to walking 10,000 steps a day. I've lost almost 40 lbs so far, and plan to keep on losing as much weight as I can before surgery, even though it's not a requirement in my program.