Pre Bariatric Surgery & looking for supportive friends!

I too have decided to have weight loss surgery, the gastric sleeve. I am 30 days into the 90 day supervised weight loss program that my insurance requires. Hope to have surgery in the November timeframe.

I am getting the sleeve surgery . I am at the tail end of the program, just waiting for a surgery date right now. I would suggest this group:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/637-gastric-bypass-lapband

The people are really nice and helpful and not judgmental.

For those scheduling surgery in the next few months…the best thing you can do for yourself is to self impose a transitional diet right now. On many of the bariatric boards I hear a lot of people say how fatigued they are after surgery and right around month three they start losing their hair. The hair loss is due to lack of protein and other nutrients your body needs like fruits and vegetables and I have a solution for that. But first….the reason they feel fatigued is not only the lack of calories, but it’s also the body detoxing from all the crap and going from 2000-3000 calories down to 400-500. The key to prevent profound fatigue is transitioning (today) from three large meals a day to replacing 1-2 meals with protein shakes and eating smaller meals throughout the day. Your diet should look like this.

Breakfast – low carb protein shake
Snack – hardboiled egg, string cheese
Lunch – salad with protein
Snack – low carb protein shake
Dinner – meat and vegetable
Bed time snack – string cheese, apple

This will help you transition very easily to the liquid diet your surgeon will put you on a few weeks before surgery and then once you have surgery your body will already be accustomed to the liquid diet so no detox and no fatigue. This will also help you transition from liquid to soft foods and on to eating like a normal person. Buy a good food scale and stock up on 1/2 and 1 cup storage containers. If you get into the habit of preparing, weighing and limiting your food to these size cups, your restriction will remain for life. Try to eye ball it and you will slowly expand your stomach back out. I know this because it has happened to friends of mine and this is actually my own prescription for maintaining my size 2-4 and I am two years out from gastric sleeve surgery.

If you are not exercising, I would start an exercise program ASAP because you will need one for long term success. I can’t tell you how many people I know who have had surgery thinking it was a “magic pill” and then finding out too late that it actually required work. It’s just a tool. Feel free to add me and my diet/exercise journal is always open. I have before and after pictures in my profile.

For hair loss I started taking Juice Plus 3 months prior to surgery and did not lose any hair nor did any of the people that I recommended it to. Message me and I will send the link to order.

I haven't had bariatric surgery, although I seriously considered it and met with our bariatric surgeon. I have taken a similar approach to weight loss however, eating 5 to 6 small meals on most days. (Vacation has thrown me off this week), and would be more than happy to be 'friends', if you choose to add me.

I had surgery in January, best thing I ever did for myself! Feel free to add me if you'd like.

Hi All -

I am about 4 months away from having the actual surgery too. Just waiting for new insurance to kick in. I came here looking for people who are also going through the process. I am planning to do the sleeve.

Hi I am scheduled to have my surgery November 4, at this point I am doing the liver cleanse, healthy foods, no caffeine, liquor, sodas or anything else enjoyable :-)
Am nervous about proper foods after, will see

I am not having the surgery, but I seriously thought about it! If all had gone as originally planned, I would have had the surgery sometime this past April. In any case, I am wishing you the best of luck in this journey! Feel free to add me as well!!

Hi there! I was 3 days from surgery and backed out the best decision I ever made. Yes I went to all the classes and met with a dietician for 6 moths did it all. Met with the surgeon twice had all the insurance work done and then didn't do it. That was 9 months ago and today with hard work 3months of a not losing I am down 70 lbs. My wife did have the surgery and looks great with no major problems. No just last month her aunt did it and had lots of problems and almost didnt make it remember there are risk its for sure not a easy road. Feel free to friend me if you'd like. Good luck

I had the gastric sleeve on July 19th. I'm down 54 lbs as of today. I have so much more energy now and feel fantastic. Don't let anyone dissuade you from the surgery. It's your choice!

I'm about 5-6 months away from a sleeve gastrectomy ... feel free to add me!

I was sleeved 9/3/13 and have lost about 73 pounds in the last 3 months. My only regret is not doing it sooner. I post my food diary daily and would like to be friends with others who do the same. Feel free to add me if you keep your diary open.
Good luck in your journey! ~Autumn

Just as some advice, a lot of people who are obese enough to get the surgery have some food-related issues. I have this problem myself, I am addicted to food.....so a lot of people are gaining the weight back, because they haven't dealt with those issues, or are turning to other forms of addiction to numb the feelings. Just be very careful, and if this is your case, then I would suggest seeing a therapist to help tackle the issues. Hope all works out for you!

I am finishing up my 6 month appts and I hope to have surgery scheduled Feb/March. I will be incorporating liquid meal replacements soon in order to prepare for what is to come. Please feel free to send me a friend request so that we can support each other on this journey!

Hi im from india and got my surgery done in jan 2014.... I was 137 kgs and now almost 106 kgs lost 30 kgs in just 100 days

Feeling much ligter and much younger.....plz feel free to add me as friend