Just starting

Ninal1018

Hi. My name is Nina and I live in Rexburg Id. I have just started the process for the VGS. I am excited, nervous and a bit scared. My dr wants me to have the surgery so that I can have back surgery (I am close to bedridden. There are days I'm lucky to get dressed. This is not one of them). I am wanting it for a better quality of life. We are aiming to do it within the next month or two. (I have 5 pre-op appointments on the 18th).

I guess I kinda came here looking for support and advice from people who have actually had the procedure. Not just what I can find on wiki or webMD. So I look forward from hearing from anyone. I am particularly interested in the pre-op diet and what it consists of.

Thanks in advance

Mangopickle

Mine was a 6 month process of supervised diet with my primary care. I wasn't in the high risk group that had to do a pre -surgery 3 wk liver reduction liquid diet. Just basically 2days clear liquids before, nothing on surgery day and restart clear liquids the next day. Then protein shakes, yogurt and purée soft a week then soft foods. My food diary is open, feel free to look at what I eat now at 11 wks. I highly recommend you go to post surgery support group meetings to get real info on what it is really like. For this to work you have to accept a whole new lifestyle. You have to plan your meals ahead. You will not be able to simply eat smaller amounts of what you eat now. Anyone can out eat wt loss surgery. For it to work you have to commit to 70% protein, 25% veg(no potato),5% carb at each meal. If letting go of your Kryptonite foods puts you in a panic you will really have to work on this. If you think you can hold on to your favorite binge foods- you would be mistaken. Everyone who lets the chips, pizza, cookies, bread, pasta, potatoes, fried foods back in just gains all the wt right back. It is an uncomfortable process, at 11 wks I still struggle to eat meat that isn't ground. You will only be eatIng between 650-850 calories per day. That said I have lost 54 lbs in 79 days and I would do it over again. I recommend you start logging your foods now to get an accurate picture of what you are currently eating. Good luck

DJRonnieLINY

Don't feel disappointed if the process takes a bit longer than a month or two. You will need a number of medical clearances as well as appointments with a Nutrituonist, Psycologist and Support Group meetings before they will schedule a date. Pre-op diet sucks. Your Dr. will give you a pre-op plan to follow based upon your own circumstances. Just need to roll with it and keep your eyes on the prize. After surgery you will have a very disciplined and progressive diet plan designed to help you transition through the stages and learn how to get proper protein and hydration. FOLLOW the plan and you WILL do great.

pawoodhull

How exciting for you! I too had my surgery because of mobility and back issues and I am so glad I did! I was really concerned about the preop diet I had to do to shrink my liver, but it turned out to be a lot easier than I anticipated. I think it was all the protein and all the water that kept me from feeling hungry. The posts above mine give you some really good tips and information. Biggest thing to remember, this has to be a lifetime change in eating and exercise. Going back to old ways of eating, old favorite foods and not exercise will cause you to regain. And remember, these are decisions. I don't feel deprived at not having certain foods in my life any more, because that is what I decided to do, never eat certain things again. If you can wrap your head around the idea of "these are my decisions" you won't feel deprived either. Again, no magic bullets here, just an awesome tool!

Good luck with everything. Be patient as it takes awhile to get everything done and a surgery date set. It will happen when it's supposed to.

Hershpup

So glad I found this! I too am just starting out with the process of getting the sleeve. Just started the nutrition visits and medically supervised diets myself. It's hard but I'm so ready for the change, I'm anticipating scheduling the surgery by the end of summer.

My main issue is that my metabolism is practically dead and I can't lose more then 10 pounds by myself. My nutritionist has me starting to get ready for surgery now by eating small meals more frequently and only 1200 calories a day (because I'm really short) with at least 30 minutes of exercise a day.

garber6th

Hi Nina! I didn't have to do a pre-op diet so I can't offer anything about that, but, I did have a very bad back prior to surgery, and I have to say, my back problems are pretty much gone. The main reason I chose to have surgery is because I wanted to improve my quality of life as well, and it has improved greatly! This surgery really is an awesome tool, and like pawoodhull said, these are decisions, and it's a great feeling to get back some control over our decisions. Good luck to you!!

DJRonnieLINY

So glad I found this! I too am just starting out with the process of getting the sleeve. Just started the nutrition visits and medically supervised diets myself. It's hard but I'm so ready for the change, I'm anticipating scheduling the surgery by the end of summer.

My main issue is that my metabolism is practically dead and I can't lose more then 10 pounds by myself. My nutritionist has me starting to get ready for surgery now by eating small meals more frequently and only 1200 calories a day (because I'm really short) with at least 30 minutes of exercise a day.

Practice using MFP by logging in everything you eat (everything). Get used to weighing foods it will help you visualize portions. After surgery this will be key. Good luck.

Ninal1018

Thank you everyone for the wonderful advice. I will definitely keep in mind the "my decision" concept. I have 2 pre op tests, a meeting with the dietitian, psychologist and an exercise consultant all on Tuesday. I realize that this is a process, but I am wanting to get this going. It will be nice to get out of some of my pain.