Pre-op eating

[shrinkingruthie]

This isn't about eating just prior to the surgery, rather I want to start modifying my eating to something akin to what I should expect after the surgery. I need to know that I will be able to comply with the guidelines. This isn't bout losing weight, just living with the rules I know what I am getting myself into.Is there anyway to prepare for the lifestyle changes?

Now, I do realize I am not going to be able to eat the higher fat foods. I think I should concentrate on lean proteins, veggies, and limited complex carbs along with taking a multivitamin and calciums a day. Or am I completely over-thinking this?

I am going to be a self pay, unless I find another job that I want to take and that doesn't have wls exclusions. I work as an IT consultant and most of the emploers in my area seem to have the exclusions because the health insurance cost is cheaper.

[sandyv63]

You will need a high fat diet as you will be mal absorbing 80% of the fat you eat. You'll be constipated if you avoid fat. We don't count fat grams, just protein. Aim for at least 100 grams of protein a day but not immediately post op because you won't be able to do it. That's why most of us supplement with protein shakes.

As for vitamins, you'll need a lot more than that. This is what most of us start with and tweak as necessary after labs:

docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B046vLsRDC9rODFhZmY3MWEtNDQ1ZC00ZmRjLWIyOGQtYjk4N2I0OThiOTk1&hl=en&authkey=CNHY--cM&pli=1

Immediately post op all you'll be able to do is liquids. Eventually you will work your way to solids but you just won't be able to do 100 grams of protein so early out. Focus on hydration first. Then protein. In a few months you might be able to do 100 grams of protein between shakes and food and I doubt you'll have room for much else so don't even worry about veggies or carbs. It's hydration first, then protein. It will be a while before you can even think of adding anything else.

[kingy]

Yep right after surgery it's fluid followed by protein and lots of walking.

One thing you're going to have to change is the way you think about fats... you really really need them unless you want to turn into a dried up constipated husk. If you drink coffee or tea (make sure it's decaf) and add some cream. Buy full fat yoghurt (if you can get your hands on some in this this "low fat" world we live in). Don't cut the fat off any bacon or meats you may cook. Full fat cheese is your friend. It's a mindset I've been struggling with since having my DS in October, after so many years of eating low fat this and no fat that.

Wishing you all the best for your up and coming journey!

[shrinkingruthie]

Lol, I think I miscommunicated. I was looking for advice on if it was worth modifying my diet WAY prior to surgery. I am attempting to save half the cost of a self pay, so it will probably be a year before I can get the surgery.Unless I canfind a new job that does exclude wls.

[Paula]

I will only offer my opinion based on what Im doing myself. Since you are planning to be about a year away from surgery, start small. Pick one thing you are doing now that you can cut out or increase...then work that for a bit. It takes, on average, about 21 (or 28, cant quite remember) days or so to create a new habit.

I used to have toast in the morning and then toast again later on in the day as a snack. I cut out the later in the day toast session and went just with the morning. I dont drink nearly enough water. Drink plenty of coffee and diet soda, but not a ton of water. So after I got into the morning toast only ritual, I added one bottle of water a day in addition to what I do.

To my way of thinking, its far easier transitioning into what I have to do after my DS if Im already kinda on that mindset before surgery. Im a creature of habit, so I find that having started getting into a DS mindset should hopefully put me on a good foot once my surgery day rolls around. Ive started getting in the ritual of taking vitamins daily based on what labs I have had done say. I dont do a full-on DS schedule of supplementation, but Ive got the groundwork habit in place of filling my vit container every week and making sure I grab each day's stuff.

Is this kind of what you were looking for?

[shrinkingruthie]

Dec 25, 2011 21:52:05 GMT -5 Paula said:

To my way of thinking, its far easier transitioning into what I have to do after my DS if Im already kinda on that mindset before surgery. Im a creature of habit, so I find that having started getting into a DS mindset should hopefully put me on a good foot once my surgery day rolls around. Ive started getting in the ritual of taking vitamins daily based on what labs I have had done say. I dont do a full-on DS schedule of supplementation, but Ive got the groundwork habit in place of filling my vit container every week and making sure I grab each day's stuff.

Is this kind of what you were looking for?

Yes, thank you. I, too, am a creature of habit. I guess I shouldn't worry about opinions of others, but sometimes i just need a framebof reference.

[Paula]

Yep, thats the take home message I got from your post. You were looking for a frame of reference and soliciting the advice/opinions of others. Thats what community is all about We get to learn from those who walked before us....and then be able to turn around and help the one coming up behind us.

[Sandra C.]

My surgeon told us in his introductory lecture, the D.S. diet is most like the Atkins diet. Lots of protein, fats OK, low carb, veggies OK not much fruit. Count carbs from every source. Learn to read the nutrition labels on every food product. Pre surgery weight loss is desired to shrink the fat in the liver, to allow the surgeon space to resect the stomach. The liver when inlarged can overshadow part of the stomach. Keep a daily journal of protein, fluid and carb totals for everything you ingest. This journaling will begin a habit helpful for D.S. success. Thinking about healthy eating and planning your meals and snacks before you mindlessly eat will be the most helpful thing you can do before surgery. Try out protein shakes to see if you can tolerate them. There is no way you can fully do the D.S. diet ahead of time, because you would have a much larger stomach now than you would have post surgery. We do have minimum fluid amounts to meet daily- 64oz. I find this is one of the most difficult requirements for the first 3 months post surgery. Get used to carrying a water bottle 24/7, add Mio, or Crystal lite to make it more tolerable, not real fruit juice. You have the right idea to try out the foods ahead of time. I had been dieting with the Atkins plan for many years, liked not feeling starved. The protein stays with you longer. Inspite of all this pre planning on your part, the first months of eating with a stomach the size of a chicken tender, can not be imitated before surgery. Its tricky to know when to stop eating, one bite too many can cause uncomfortable feelings for quite a while. Learning to sit at a table for your entire meal to think about and enjoy each bite may seem easier than you think. How often do we eat on the run, or while watching TV, or computer, or driving? Focus on each and every bite. Sure take vitamins and calcium daily, they are good for everyone. Exercise at least 3-5 times a week. Find another addiction to replace the addiction to food, like going to the gym, or have another interest that will distract you from not being able to have your comfort foods, may be never again, depending how you tolerate them post surgery, or if they are on your future nutritionists allowed list. Change these habits now and you are on the right track. There are many more, but this is a good start. Ask your future surgeons office if you can attend some of their support group lectures and meetings and any offered by your local hospital. Study the D.S. on line, read lots of posts, be informed as much as you can before surgery. No amount of pre planning will prepare you for all the happy changes that come with WLS, especially the D.S.

[Joanne]

I think you are over thinking it. If I were you, I'd put more of my focus on getting into some good habits now about supplements. The eating will be a whole new way once you have surgery - meaning what you eat, but also how you feel about eating, the volume of what you can eat, etc.. You cant practice for that pre-op. There is a huge difference between trying to follow a meal plan, or diet now, and how, what and when you want to eat after surgery.

You're on the right track about the high protein, so give some thought to what you might like, but know that will be further down.

[Leonie]

I am thinking about the pre-op eating thing a lot too. I also have a year to wait and sooo much to lose. Im spending so much time here on the board that it is affecting my eating. Yesterday I grabbed a large chunk of cheese and announced that its fine, I need the protein and fat doesn't matter!

I do know that I need to get out of this recliner and into the gym. Lisa, you really inspired me with your post about 2,5 hours a day of walking in the pool. I also like doing it, but got bored after half an hour!

I want to start seeing a therapist in January. There are many issues I need to deal with.

It is so hard doing this low fat, high carb, no sugar, counting calories thing, and the scale is not much impressed either. (says the girl with a tin of christmas cookies beside her).

Leonie

[shrinkingruthie]

Thank you everyone for your input. I got some good advice - I overthink everything and shouldbget used to taking an abbreviated vitamin schedule. I have to admit, i am looking forward to the bacon eating.

I had a follow up with my PCP and he is happy with my blood sugar numbers and with the fact I have mananged to stop the weight creep. I started adding two protein shakes a day and cut out extraneous flour, sugar, and pastas. I really think the protein drinks help me out with cravings.

I have started going to the gym three days a week to participate in water aerobics and always get talked into staying for a second class.

[Deleted]

That's a very good plan for a preop diet. Go for it!

Get lab work done to see if you have any nutritional deficiencies and get those up to snuff now, too. D is a common one, and so are some B's.

[shrinkingruthie]

Dec 27, 2011 19:05:38 GMT -5 @en said:

That's a very good plan for a preop diet. Go for it!

Get lab work done to see if you have any nutritional deficiencies and get those up to snuff now, too. D is a common one, and so are some B's.

In my next check-up I am going to ask for a nutritional panel to include D, calcium, and PTH(?). I have a family history of debilitating osteoporosis with first and second level family members. If it weren't for this and the other board, i would have thought checking calcium was enough. I didn't realize the body will steal from bones to keep the blood levels up.

Edited to correct errors from when my tablet became possessed

[Deleted]

Be sure you get a Dexa scan then, too.

[shrinkingruthie]

Dec 27, 2011 19:54:43 GMT -5 @en said:

Be sure you get a Dexa scan then, too.

I need to check with my new insurance once i get the cards. Hopefully the family history will help in covering if there is a minimum age clause, not sure if there is normally one.
;D
I was thinking about this last night. Even if I can't afford to self pay and do not get the ds in 2012, at least I am becoming more of an advocate for my health.

[kirmy]

Dec 25, 2011 16:43:09 GMT -5 kingy said:

Yep right after surgery it's fluid followed by protein and lots of walking.

One thing you're going to have to change is the way you think about fats... you really really need them unless you want to turn into a dried up constipated husk. If you drink coffee or tea (make sure it's decaf) and add some cream. Buy full fat yoghurt (if you can get your hands on some in this this "low fat" world we live in). Don't cut the fat off any bacon or meats you may cook. Full fat cheese is your friend. It's a mindset I've been struggling with since having my DS in October, after so many years of eating low fat this and no fat that.

Wishing you all the best for your up and coming journey!

Nah nah nah nahhhh nah nah Batkingy......anh nah nah nah nha nahhh BATKINGY.......nah nah cough cough.....nah..

Have you done a poo? Did the jelly babies work? Do you look like the after picture in Lair of the White Worm or are you getting enough fat?

I'm awful proud of you young Jedi.