A pre op recommendation I was given was to use frozen lean cuisine type meals for the pre op weight loss needs. It helped control portions and I lost the required weight needed to have the surgery! Lawd, I wouldn't touch them with a twenty foot pole now! Way too processed and high carb values! We're effective when needed though!

Definitely try not to stress too much over it. The holidays usually trip up everyone. Colder weather, shorter days can totally drain the willpower.

Did your surgical center give you any guidelines or classes to show you what and how much you should be having? At our first meeting, they put everyone on a 1600 cal limit, emphasizing high protein, and low carbs. They also offered cooking classes to give you recipes that work, as well as a comprehensive nutritional class.

If they are not offering anything like that, another good reference to check is to find groups through Meetup. There are a few pre and post-op Bari groups in my area. They have group fitness days, potlucks, and meetings to discuss successful strategies and offer support.

As far as the pre-op diet goes, protein shakes were my friend. I was having 2 a day, usually on the ride in to work, and then one in the afternoon around 3-4pm. Kept me full and away from other snacks

As women, we can gain as much as five pounds during our monthlies, but I don't think that should be that much to matter. You are still working towards your overall goal, and if your physician isn't worried about it, that so be it.

I don't sweat the small numbers like that. 15 sure, 5, not so much.

metalmaiden63217 wrote: »

So I am about 4 months into my 6 month physician supervised diet that is required by my insurance company. This weigh in is the first that I gained weight. Last month I lost 12 pounds. This time I gained 4. I am like freaking out because I went to a pre op support group, and they were saying that you even gain a pound that you will be denied. But when I spoke to my general dr, she said that I will most likely not be denied and she will not let that happen. I'm just really sad. I thought I would at least have lost a pound or 2. I have been so good, even through the holidays. I have fl medicaid and am wondering if any of you have been in a similar situation??

Have you spoke with the insurance company directly to see if they have a weight loss requirements during the six month phase? I was also required to follow the six months of supervised weight loss visits but was not required to lose any weight, however, once I started to see the bariatric nurse and surgeon they are requiring me to not gain any weight (not the insurance).

Good luck to you! You can do this!

Keep moving forward day by day. During my preop phase, I would get into month long stalls and it took changing my exercise and really changing up my calories, carbs, etc in order to turn it back around. You'll get there!! Our bodies just get thrown for a loop!